Jessica and Jason Klimp have pleaded no contest to first-degree child abuse after investigators say two of their adopted children were confined in dog cages and restrained with a homemade straitjacket. The investigation began in February 2024 after an adopted child was hospitalized in Tennessee for severe dehydration and malnutrition. In a related Tennessee case the couple received concurrent 10-year prison sentences in October 2025; Michigan sentencing and additional proceedings are pending.
Michigan Couple Pleads No Contest After Adopted Children Found in Dog Cages and Homemade Straitjacket
Credit: Fentress County Sheriff's Office (2)
A Michigan couple has pleaded no contest to first-degree child abuse after investigators say they found two adopted children confined in dog cages and restrained with a homemade straitjacket. Jessica Klimp, 45, entered no-contest pleas on May 11 to two counts of first-degree child abuse; her husband, Jason Klimp, 47, entered the same pleas in March, according to a news release from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office.
Investigation and Findings
Authorities say the probe began in February 2024 while the family was renting a home in Tennessee, when one adopted child was hospitalized with severe dehydration and malnutrition. A follow-up investigation reportedly found that two adopted children were severely underweight, were being fed only liquefied food, and had supervised access to meals.
When Michigan State Police executed a search warrant at the Klimps' Wexford County, Michigan, home, investigators said they discovered dog cages that appeared to have been used to confine children, a homemade straitjacket, and security alarms attached to a bedroom door.
Legal Proceedings
The Wexford County Prosecutor’s Office originally charged the couple in February 2024. In a related Tennessee case, both Jessica and Jason Klimp pleaded guilty to one count each of aggravated child abuse and were sentenced in October 2025 to 10 years in prison, the attorney general’s office said. The couple was later extradited to Michigan to face additional charges. Prosecutors have said the Tennessee prison terms will run concurrently with any Michigan sentences.
Jason Klimp is scheduled for sentencing in Michigan on June 16; a Michigan sentencing date for Jessica Klimp has not yet been set. The couple’s parental rights have been terminated.
“Kids deserve to grow up in a loving home free from abuse,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “The cruelty that these children endured is heartbreaking, and while no outcome can erase the trauma, I hope these convictions will provide a sense of justice and healing.”
Status And Next Steps
Both state and local agencies remain involved in ensuring the welfare of the children. Authorities have not publicly alleged abuse involving the couple’s biological children. Investigations and court proceedings in Michigan continue.
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