Jessica Klimp, 45, and Jason Klimp, 47, were sentenced to eight years and three months behind bars in Michigan after pleading no contest to two counts of first-degree child abuse—the latest chapter in a disturbing case of cruelty that spanned both Michigan and Tennessee. The couple is already serving a decade-long prison sentence imposed by a Tennessee court for aggravated child abuse involving the same adopted daughters.
Background
The Klimps, who had their parental rights terminated, adopted four children in addition to having four biological children. A total of eight minors were living in their Wexford County, Michigan home when authorities first uncovered evidence of systemic torture and neglect. The investigation into the adoptive parents began when Fentress County, Tennessee sheriff's deputies responded to a family residence after one of their adopted daughters collapsed.
When paramedics arrived, they found a 12-year-old girl whose condition was so deteriorated from malnutrition that first responders initially believed she was between 6 and 8 years old. A paramedic testified at an earlier hearing that the girl's body temperature had dropped to a dangerously low 95.6 degrees, and her skin showed signs of severe discoloration.
The Investigation
According to the Michigan Attorney General's Office, Jason Klimp reportedly attempted to revive the collapsed child by placing her in a cold shower before paramedics arrived. Investigators later learned that both adopted daughters had been severely underweight due to being fed only "liquefied food" from a bottle. One of the girls told police they were forced to eat that way because they "ate too much and would get sick."
Following their arrest in Tennessee in February 2024, Michigan State Police executed a search warrant at the couple's Wexford County residence. Authorities discovered a "man-made straitjacket" in one bedroom, along with security alarms installed on bedroom doors. Most disturbing, investigators found dog cages that appeared to have been used to confine the children.
Investigators also uncovered evidence that the couple severely punished the children for bed-wetting by forcing them to sleep on plastic totes in a 60-degree basement without blankets. In October, a Tennessee judge sentenced both defendants to 10 years behind bars for aggravated child abuse before they were extradited to Michigan to face additional charges.
The Sentences
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the sentencing this week following the couple's no contest pleas in Wexford County Circuit Court. Beyond the prison terms, both Jessica and Jason Klimp will serve three years of probation upon release. Their parental rights over all four adopted children were terminated as part of the proceedings.
"Kids deserve to grow up in a loving home free from abuse," Nessel said in a statement. "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."
Key Takeaways
- Jessica and Jason Klimp received 8 years and 3 months additional prison time for two counts of first-degree child abuse in Michigan
- They are already serving concurrent 10-year sentences from Tennessee for aggravated child abuse involving the same victims
- The adopted daughters were fed only liquefied food from bottles because their adoptive parents claimed they "ate too much"
- Investigators discovered dog cages, a man-made straitjacket, and security alarms on bedroom doors in the Michigan home
- A 12-year-old victim was so malnourished that first responders believed she was between 6 and 8 years old
- Both defendants' parental rights to their four adopted children have been terminated
What's Next
The couple will serve their Michigan sentence concurrently with their existing Tennessee term. They will be required to complete three years of probation following their release from prison. The case remains under review by Michigan child protective services, and counseling services have been made available to the surviving victims.
Jerry Lambe contributed to this report.