Insets: Jeremiah Perkins and Jennifer Perkins (KTVX). Background: The 400 block of N. 500 West in Moab, Utah (Google Maps).
A Utah couple could spend more than a decade in prison after authorities accused them of severely starving an elementary school-aged child in their care and repeatedly confining him inside a dog kennel.
Jeremiah James Perkins, 40, and Jennifer Perkins, 48, were arrested in December on suspicion of child torture. On Tuesday, Jeremiah Perkins pleaded no contest to attempted child torture, while his wife pleaded no contest to aggravated child abuse, according to local ABC affiliate KTVX. Both could receive sentences of up to 15 years in prison at a Nov. 17 hearing.
According to a probable-cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime from Moab police, Jennifer Perkins became the child’s legal guardian in March 2025. The boy was reportedly healthy until July, when he “began drastically losing weight,” investigators wrote.
Police also said the boy appeared to be wearing T-shirts featuring a “nonfavorable depiction of his mother.” By October 2025, he had become so frail that the Division of Children and Family Services and Moab police removed him from the couple’s home in the 400 block of N. 500 West.
“His appearance is described as frail and skeletal-like, with his skin sunken into his person,” police wrote.
Investigators said the child had lost approximately 10 pounds over five months—about 13% of his body weight.
Doctors later diagnosed him with severe malnutrition and refeeding syndrome.
Authorities alleged that the couple placed the boy on a strict vegan diet consisting primarily of vegetables and rice. He remained constantly hungry and quickly consumed any snacks he received, according to police.
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The child allegedly resorted to eating items including Tums, DayQuil and toothpaste. Despite his worsening condition, investigators said his parents never obtained medical care for him.
Jennifer Perkins, who worked at a hospital, told investigators she did not seek help because she did not want anyone to get in trouble, according to the affidavit.
During a forensic interview, the boy described additional abuse. He told investigators that he was locked inside a dog kennel and restrained with zip ties, police said.
“On other occasions when he did not obey Jeremiah, he was forced to remove his clothes to only his underwear, was hog tied via metal handcuffs which were placed on his wrists and ankles and then tied together via a rope which was used by Jeremiah for easy transportation of the victim, where he was placed on a cold vent in Jeremiah’s bedroom,” the affidavit stated.
He also allegedly was gagged and forced to take cold showers five or six times.
Police said both Perkinses took part in the alleged abuse. Investigators also reported that the boy had bruises and scratches across his body.
Jonathan Jarman, a 29-year-old adult who lived in the home, was charged in the case as well. He pleaded guilty to reckless aggravated child abuse and is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 17.
Prosecutors told KTVX that the plea agreements were reached in part to prevent the child from having to testify. The defendants are prohibited from contacting him until he turns 18.
