An Ohio couple was arrested after authorities discovered nine children living in severe conditions, where they were allegedly locked in cages, denied food and forced to stand for hours with nails placed between their toes.

Jonathan Parr, 37, and Jacqueline Coleman, 32, face charges of third-degree felony child endangerment and were taken into custody Tuesday following an investigation by the Licking County Sheriff’s Office, the agency said in an October 14 press release.

Deputies executed a search warrant around 4 p.m. Tuesday at a home in the 13000 block of National Road SW in Etna Township after receiving a referral from Child Protective Services. This followed a report from a local Licking County school district.

Authorities said they discovered a heavy bug infestation, inadequate sleeping arrangements and poor living conditions throughout the house. At least four of the children lived with their parents inside a nearby shed on the property.

A total of 12 people, ranging in age from 1 to 64, lived in the home, including the children’s 64-year-old grandmother. Officials declined to comment on whether she could also face charges.

“The living conditions in that trailer were horrific,” Licking County Sheriff’s Department Captain Jay Cook said following a press conference.

During a court appearance, Parr denied the allegations, according to local nonprofit news outlet The Reporting Project.

“It’s not true.” Parr told the court. “I didn’t keep anybody in cages or [commit] any of the other charges. I love my kids. I would die for my kids.”

Court documents state that Coleman is the mother of all nine children involved, who range in age from 1 to 13 years old, while Parr is the father of seven. All nine children were removed from the property and placed into the custody of child protective services.

The alleged abuse occurred on various dates dating back to April 2023, according to court records. In addition to being confined behind barriers or cages and deprived of food and water, the children were subjected to severe physical punishment.

“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 like a wall squat situation. it was reported that they would sometimes have to stand there all day,” LCSO Captain Jay Cook told CBS affiliate WBNS.

The complaint alleges that Coleman and Parr “unlawfully, did administer corporal punishment or other physical disciplinary measure, or physically restrain the child in a cruel manner or for a prolonged period, which punishment, discipline, or restraint was excessive under the circumstances and created a substantial risk of serious physical harm.”

Officials noted that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.

The pair are being held on $150,000 bond at the Licking County Justice Center.