A Boy Was Locked In A Dog Kennel By His Adoptive Parents, Secured With Zip Ties, And Ate Toothpaste As He Became Skeletal

A couple in Moab, Utah, was arrested for child torture and is now facing more than a decade of prison time. In March 2025, 48-year-old Jennifer Perkins became the legal guardian of an elementary school-aged child. The boy was healthy until July 2025, which was when he started losing a lot of weight.

Jennifer and her 40-year-old husband, Jeremiah James Perkins, allegedly put the boy on a strict vegan diet that consisted mostly of rice and vegetables. He became so frail that authorities removed him from the home in October 2025.

Investigators noted that he appeared frail and skeletal. He had lost about 10 pounds, 13% of his body weight, in five months. He was severely malnourished.

He was so hungry that he resorted to eating items like toothpaste, Tums, and DayQuil. Even though his health was deteriorating, his parents never sought medical attention.

Jennifer worked at a hospital. She reportedly did not seek help because she did not want anyone to get in trouble. The boy also told investigators that he was locked in a dog kennel and secured with zip ties.

On occasions when he did not obey Jeremiah, he was forced to strip down to his underwear. Metal handcuffs were placed on his wrists and ankles and tied together with rope. He was then placed on a cold vent in Jeremiah's bedroom.

In addition, he was allegedly gagged to prevent him from biting and was forced to take a cold shower five or six times. He had bruises and scratches all over his body.

He was also made to wear a "non-favorable depiction of his mother printed on his T-shirt" to school every day.

Another adult in the home, Jennifer's son, 29-year-old Jonathan Jarman, was charged as well. He was charged for witnessing the abuse and not doing anything to stop it. He pleaded guilty to reckless aggravated child abuse.

New Africa - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual child - pictured above is a boy wearing a backpack

Jennifer and Jeremiah pleaded no contest to aggravated child abuse and attempted child torture, respectively. They are prohibited from contacting the victim until he turns 18. The three adults will be sentenced on November 17.

"This is a disturbing case of severe abuse and torture of a child. We have worked diligently to put together a thorough investigation that we believe will give the prosecution the best chance to bring justice for our victim," said Moab Police Chief Lex Bell.

According to the Moab Police Department, the child is thriving in his new foster home. After spending months in an environment where he was neglected and abused, he is now reportedly in a home where he can receive the proper care and stability he needs.

His safety and recovery are the top priority. The three adults who were arrested have no knowledge of where he is.

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