Mich. couple who forced children to consume liquid-only diet, used dog cages and straitjacket as punishment plead no contest

LANSING, Mich. (TCN) -- A couple has pleaded no contest to first-degree child abuse in connection with the abuse of two of their children, authorities say.

According to a press release from the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Jessica Klimp, 45, pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree child abuse on May 11. Her husband, Jason Klimp, 47, pleaded no contest to the same charges in March.

The couple has four biological children and four adopted children, according to the attorney general. The family had lived in Cadillac, Michigan, but was staying in a rented home in Tennessee when one of their adopted children was taken to the hospital with symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration. 

An investigation found that two of the Klimps’ children, both adopted, were given a liquid-only diet and were severely underweight. A search executed at their home revealed a homemade straitjacket, dog cages for confining children, and security alarms on the bedroom doors.

Law & Crime reported in 2025 that when first responders first made contact with the 12-year-old victim, they believed her to be between 6 and 8 years old because of her size. She alleged that she and her sister had to drink from bottles instead of eat solid foods because their parents claimed they ate too much. The girls said that when they wet their bed, they had to sleep on plastic totes in a 60-degree basement with no blankets.

The Klimps pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse and were each sentenced to 10 years behind bars in October 2025. They were extradited back to Michigan to face additional charge. According to the DA, the Tennessee and Michigan terms will be served concurrently. According to the Detroit Free Press, a no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt. It means that the defendant does not contest the charge against them.

Attorney General Dana Nessel said, “Kids deserve to grow up in a loving home free from abuse. 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.”    

Jason Klimp is scheduled to be sentenced June 16; Jessica Klimp’s sentencing date has not yet been set.

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