Three adults face first-degree charges as investigators cite a statute aimed at prolonged, extreme abuse.
MOAB, Utah — A child welfare investigation that began in the fall led to three arrests in Moab this week, marking one of the highest-profile uses of Utah’s child torture statute since lawmakers strengthened abuse laws in recent sessions, police and court records show.
The case centers on an 11-year-old boy removed from a trailer in October and now in protective custody. Prosecutors filed a single count of child torture, a first-degree felony under Utah Code § 76-5-109.4, against each defendant. The statute addresses intentional or knowing infliction of extreme physical or psychological pain. Officials said the charge was selected after medical findings and witness statements suggested sustained harm. The arrests underscore how recent legislative changes give prosecutors another tool beyond aggravated child abuse when they allege prolonged deprivation or confinement.
Defendants are identified as Jennifer Perkins, 48; Jeremiah James Perkins, 39; and Jonathan William Jarman, 28. According to police, Jeremiah Perkins is the boy’s father; he and Jennifer Perkins became guardians in March, and Jarman is Jennifer Perkins’ son. Detectives opened the case after adults outside the home reported concerns about the child’s sudden weight loss in July. A month-long investigation followed, involving state child welfare workers and medical teams. “The evidence indicates extended deprivation and control over the child’s movements,” a Moab Police summary said. Officers arrested the trio Tuesday after a judge signed warrants on Monday.
Charging documents describe a pattern in which the boy’s access to food was limited and, at times, he was confined in a kennel. The filings say the child “began drastically losing weight” during the summer and that clinical assessments documented malnourishment consistent with prolonged lack of nutrition. The boy was taken for treatment after he was removed from the home in October and has since stabilized, officials said. Investigators collected photographs, medical records and statements from neighbors and relatives to support the timeline. No other children were listed as victims in the public portion of the case file.
Under Utah law, child torture is a first-degree felony carrying significant prison exposure if convicted. The provision was added alongside broader abuse amendments, and prosecutors statewide have begun invoking it in severe cases when they allege deliberate, sustained cruelty. In this instance, the Grand County Attorney’s Office filed charges in 7th District Court. The Department of Child and Family Services said it is coordinating the boy’s ongoing care and placement. Moab Police emphasized the case involves a single household and does not signal a wider community threat.
The three defendants were booked into the Grand County Jail and were being held without bail pending their initial court appearances. Arraignment dates will be set after formal screenings. Defense counsel had not been listed in online dockets midweek. Prosecutors said additional counts remain possible as digital evidence, including messages and search histories, is reviewed. Investigators also plan follow-up interviews to establish when the alleged confinement began and how often it occurred. Officials said any further updates will come after the court’s first hearing.
Outside the residence, neighbors said the home was quiet, with curtains closed and few visitors. “I stopped seeing the boy out front after school started,” said a nearby resident who asked not to be named. A health professional familiar with the case file said the child’s weight loss was steep over a short period. Parents at a nearby park reacted with shock. “We’re relieved someone noticed and called,” said Daniel Croft, who has children in local youth programs.
As of Thursday, the child remained in state custody and the three defendants were in jail awaiting their initial appearances expected early next week. Investigators said they are preparing additional warrants to gather medical and electronic records that could refine the timeline and support charging decisions.
Author note: Last updated January 1, 2026.