⚠️ MICHIGAN COUPLE ACCUSED OF USING DOG CAGES AND A HOMEMADE STRAITJACKET ON ADOPTED CHILDREN ENTER NO CONTEST PLEAS
A Michigan couple accused of severely abusing their adopted children — including allegedly confining them inside dog cages and using a homemade straitjacket — have both entered no contest pleas to child abuse charges.
Jessica Klimp, 45, pleaded no contest on May 11 to two counts of first-degree child abuse involving two of the couple’s adopted children. Her husband, Jason Klimp, 47, had already entered the same plea earlier in March.
According to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, the couple — formerly from Cadillac, Michigan — were raising eight children total, including four adopted children and four biological children. Prosecutors said the allegations involve only the adopted children, and no public accusations have been made regarding abuse toward the biological children.
The investigation reportedly began in February 2024 while the family was staying at a rental home in Tennessee. Authorities became involved after one of the adopted children was hospitalized suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition.
Investigators later discovered that two of the adopted children were allegedly extremely underweight and were being fed only liquified food while having restricted and supervised access to meals.
After the child’s hospitalization, Michigan State Police executed a search warrant at the family’s home in Wexford County. During the search, investigators reportedly found dog cages believed to have been used to confine the children, security alarms attached to a bedroom door, and a homemade straitjacket.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel described the allegations as heartbreaking, saying children deserve to grow up in safe and loving homes free from abuse.
The couple was originally charged in February 2024.
In a separate Tennessee case connected to the same investigation, both Jessica and Jason previously pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse charges. In October 2025, they were sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Authorities said the Tennessee prison terms will run at the same time as any future sentences handed down in Michigan.
Jason Klimp is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, while Jessica’s sentencing date has not yet been announced.
Officials also confirmed that the couple’s parental rights have been terminated.
