In a shocking case of alleged child abuse, three adults from Moab, Utah, were arrested on child torture charges after police uncovered disturbing evidence of the mistreatment of a young boy in their care. Jeremiah James Perkins, 39, Jennifer Perkins, 48, and Jonathan William Jarman, 28, were taken into custody by local authorities on Tuesday as they walked away from their residence, where the abuse reportedly occurred over several months. The victim, whose age has not been disclosed but is confirmed to be in elementary school, has since been removed from the home and placed in a foster family where he is said to be thriving. The investigation began on October 15 when a Moab Police Department officer, accompanied by a representative from the Department of Child and Family Services, observed the child’s frail condition. According to court documents, the officer noted that the boy appeared skeletal, with sunken skin, which raised immediate concerns about his health and well-being. As a result of these observations, the victim was taken to a hospital on October 29, where medical professionals diagnosed him with severe malnutrition and refeeding syndrome, conditions typically resulting from prolonged neglect and starvation. Witnesses have provided alarming insights into the child’s living conditions. Reports indicate that the victim was placed on a restrictive vegan diet, primarily consisting of vegetables and rice, which raised questions about the adequacy of his nutritional intake. Jennifer Perkins, who works at a local hospital, allegedly admitted to investigators that she intentionally did not seek medical attention for the child, fearing repercussions for her actions. This reluctance to seek help has been highlighted as particularly troubling, especially given her professional background in healthcare. During the investigation, it was revealed that the boy often begged for snacks and would consume any food offered to him quickly, indicating a state of extreme hunger. Investigators uncovered that the child, due to his significant weight loss, resorted to eating non-food items, including Tums, DayQuil, and various types of toothpaste, which posed serious health risks. This alarming behavior underscores the severity of his malnutrition and the dire circumstances he faced while under the care of the suspects. The victim provided harrowing accounts of physical abuse he endured in the home. He reported being locked in a dog kennel secured with zip ties on multiple occasions. On instances where he failed to comply with Jeremiah Perkins' demands, he claimed he was stripped to his underwear, hog-tied with handcuffs and rope, and subjected to exposure to cold air from a vent. In one particularly distressing incident, the victim described being gagged after attempting to bite Jennifer Perkins, illustrating the extreme measures allegedly taken to control him. Additionally, the child recounted being forced to take cold showers on several occasions, further contributing to the psychological and physical torment he endured. Medical evaluations revealed multiple bruises and scratches on his body, particularly around his hips, legs, and feet, which the victim attributed to his attempts to escape the cold vent where he was left unattended. As the investigation continues, all three suspects are currently being held without bail. Moab Police Chief Lex Bell expressed his concern regarding the severity of the abuse, stating, “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.” The police department has emphasized their commitment to ensuring the victim receives the care and support necessary for his recovery. The child has since been placed in a foster home, where he is reportedly doing well, a stark contrast to his previous living situation. The community has reacted with shock and outrage at the allegations, with many expressing their support for the victim and gratitude for the swift action taken by law enforcement and child welfare officials. This case highlights the critical importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and the need for community awareness regarding signs of abuse. As the judicial process unfolds, the focus remains on the child’s recovery and the legal ramifications for those accused of his abuse. The Moab community continues to rally in support of the victim, demonstrating a collective commitment to ensuring that such acts of cruelty do not go unpunished. As the investigation develops and court proceedings commence, details will continue to emerge, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic case of child torture. The local authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward, reinforcing the community's role in safeguarding its most vulnerable members.