Sheriff: 9 children removed from Ohio home with ‘appalling and unsafe living conditions’

ETNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WOIO) - Nine children have been removed from what investigators describe as “appalling and unsafe living conditions” in Etna Township.

“The living conditions were horrific, disgusting,” said Captain Jay Cook with the Licking County Sheriff’s office.

Detectives arrested Jonathan Parr and Jacqueline Coleman on child endangerment charges Tuesday after carrying out a search warrant at a home on National Road Southwest, according to the Licking County Sheriff.

Twelve people lived at the home, including nine children, detectives said.

“Part of the disclosure from the children was the abuse. Sometimes it was punishment. Sometimes it was for no good reason at all where they would have to stand with their back against the wall. As like a wall squat type situation. It was reported that they would have to sometimes stand there all day,” said Captain Cook. “There was a disclosure of nails in the floor, and it was mentioned that it was there for like a marker to put their feet.”

All nine children are now in the custody of child protective services.

The sheriff’s office said additional charges against the suspects are possible.