Parents Accused of Child Abuse of Adopted Children Extradited from Tennessee to Face Charges

LANSING – Jason Klimp, 47, and Jessica Klimp, 45, who were recently extradited from Tennessee, were arraigned in the 84th District Court in Cadillac for allegedly abusing two of their adopted children, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Both have been charged with two counts of First-Degree Child Abuse and two counts of First-Degree Child Abuse Committed in the Presence of Another Child, all potential life-sentence offenses. The couple was initially charged by the Wexford County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in February 2024.  

The Klimps, who resided in Cadillac, are parents to four adopted children and four biological children. While the Klimp family was staying in a rented house in Tennessee in February 2024, one of their adoptive children was taken to the University of Tennessee Hospital and later transferred to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital with symptoms of severe dehydration and malnutrition. Following the incident, Michigan State Police executed a search warrant of the couple’s Wexford County home, resulting in the child abuse charges. 

“The allegations in the case are deeply disturbing and heartbreaking,” Nessel said. “No child should ever have to endure abuse at the hands of those meant to care for them. My office will continue to pursue justice for children of abuse and ensure victims receive the support and protection they need.” 

The couple’s parental rights have been terminated. Jason Klimp was arraigned before Judge Melissa J. Ransom on November 14. Jessica Klimp was arraigned before Judge Ransom on November 19. Both are next scheduled to appear before Judge Ransom on November 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. for their Probable Cause conferences.