A Clinton County jury has convicted Tamal and Jerry Flore of abusing children they adopted or fostered, including by withholding food and using physical punishment, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. The verdict followed a six-week trial in the state’s 29th Circuit Court.
Tamal Flore was found guilty of six counts of first-degree child abuse, two counts of second-degree abuse and three counts of third-degree abuse. Jerry Flore was convicted of one count of second-degree child abuse and acquitted of seven first-degree counts and two other second-degree counts.
Each first-degree child abuse count carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison. The second-degree charge carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years. The couple is due to be sentenced at a hearing on January 11.
Prosecutors said the Flores took in children beginning in 2007 and argued during the trial that the abuse was presented as discipline. The couple was accused of mistreating seven of the 16 children they fostered or adopted. According to accounts reported during the case, children told investigators they had been struck with belts and spoons and confined in rooms or a garage for days.
The couple was first arrested in 2021 and charged with multiple counts of child abuse. Prosecutors dismissed the case in 2023 to conduct further investigation, and the Flores were charged again in December 2025.
Jerry Flore’s attorney, David Carter, said he and his client were grateful to the jury, pointing to the acquittals on most of the charges against him. Clinton County Sheriff Sean Dush said the investigation had taken years and credited the Michigan Attorney General’s Office with helping bring the case to trial.
Sources: Us Weekly.