9 Children Rescued From Ohio Home as Police Detail All-Day Wall Squats and Nails Between One Child's Toes

Nine children aged between one and 13 have been removed from an Ohio property following an investigation into alleged physical abuse, prolonged punishments and unsafe living conditions. According to court records and a sheriff's office investigative report described by local media, children were allegedly forced to hold wall-squat positions for extended periods, with nails placed on the floor between their toes as markers.

Jonathan Parr, 37, and Jacquelyn Coleman, 32, were arrested on child-endangerment charges after a search of the property in Etna Township, Licking County, on 13 October. Parr denied the allegations during a court appearance the following day.

Search Followed Child Protection Referral

The Licking County Sheriff's Office said detectives searched a property on National Road Southwest after receiving a referral from Licking County Child Protective Services concerning suspected abuse and neglect.

Investigators found that 12 people, ranging in age from one to 64, lived on the property. Nine were children aged between one and 13. The site included a mobile home and a shed, according to local reporting.

ABC 6 reported obtaining a 10-page investigative report on 15 October. The document reportedly contains interviews with children and Coleman, as well as a deputy's observations of the property.

The records describe allegations concerning punishment, sleeping arrangements, access to food and the condition of the buildings. The allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and court proceedings.

Children Describe Prolonged Wall Squats

According to the investigative report as described in media coverage, one child told a child protective services worker that he and his brother were made to stand against a wall in a squatting position with their hands raised for extended periods.

The child reportedly said Parr had cameras pointed towards the wall to monitor whether they remained in position.

A sibling said some children were sometimes required to maintain the position throughout the day. The report also describes nails placed on the floor between the children's toes to help prevent them from moving or leaning to one side.

The report further records an interview in which a child became distressed when asked about the alleged punishments. According to the account, the child began crying, said he could not discuss the matter and ran from the room.

These accounts are allegations recorded in the investigation, not findings established at trial.

Coleman Disputes Claim That Children Slept in Cages

One child reportedly told investigators that siblings slept in cages with beds inside them, allegedly to prevent them from taking food at night.

Coleman disputed the claim that children were made to sleep inside cages. According to the investigative report as described in media coverage, she said parts of dog cages were instead used to block two children inside their bedroom at night, preventing them from accessing the refrigerator.

Coleman also reportedly told investigators that she disagreed with wall squats as punishment but allowed them because she had nowhere else to stay.

Deputy Reports Unsanitary Conditions

A deputy's observations, as reproduced in the investigative report described by media outlets, included rubbish and dirty clothing around the shed, as well as firearms visible inside the building.

At the mobile home, the deputy reportedly noted rubbish in the backyard, a substantial insect infestation and severe sanitation problems in the bathroom.

The report described a toilet blackened by filth, dirty dishes covering the shower floor with insects crawling over them, and a substance near the bathroom entrance that appeared to be faeces, with insects crawling in and out of it.

Parr Denies Allegations In Court

Not all the children gave the same account. According to the investigative report as described in media coverage, one child said nobody was punished and that the children slept in their own beds or shared beds because they enjoyed spending time together.

Parr also rejected the allegations during his court appearance on 14 October, saying: 'It's not true. I love my kids. I would die for my kids.'

WOSU reported on 15 October that bond had been set at $150,000 (about £113,000)and that both defendants were scheduled to return to court on 23 October.

All nine children were placed in the care of Licking County Child Protective Services. The sheriff's office said the investigation remained ongoing and additional charges were possible.

The allegations have not been proved in court.