Zachary Olpin, 30, and Megan Olpin, 31, from Idaho, have been arrested and charged with multiple crimes in connection with the alleged abuse of their 7-year-old daughter during a visit to the East Idaho Aquarium in Idaho Falls on February 8, 2026.
The couple faces serious charges after surveillance footage and their daughter’s statements revealed disturbing acts of violence and mistreatment.
Details of the Alleged Abuse
According to court records, the couple’s daughter told investigators that her parents repeatedly “bonked” her on the head because they were angry with her.
Surveillance video obtained by police showed the Olpins allegedly beating their daughter, including one instance where Zachary Olpin is said to have slammed the girl’s head into a metal electrical box. The footage also showed the parents dragging the child around the aquarium and engaging in various physical attacks.
Zachary Olpin is facing one felony and one misdemeanor count of injury to a child, while Megan Olpin is charged with felony aggravated battery, felony injury to a child, and misdemeanor injury to a child.
Investigators’ Findings
The 7-year-old girl spoke to investigators about the abuse, describing how she was “bonked” on the head with a shoe and keys. She said her parents continued to strike her because they were angry with her.
In a particularly alarming moment captured on video, Zachary Olpin allegedly slammed the child’s head into a wooden structure and forced her head into the electrical box at least three times. The attack was so violent that the parents’ actions were described as “pummeling” her repeatedly.
When questioned, the Olpins tried to downplay their behavior. Zachary Olpin claimed that the incident involving the electrical box was an accident, while Megan Olpin admitted to hitting her daughter with a shoe and once with keys.
The Aftermath and Arrest
Despite initially trying to minimize their actions, the Olpins eventually acknowledged that their behavior had been inappropriate. Both parents reportedly wrote apology letters expressing regret for their actions.
After the investigation, the Idaho Falls Police Department arrested the couple and booked them into Bonneville County Jail.
Both Zachary and Megan Olpin are due in court on March 24, 2026 for their preliminary hearings.
The case has shocked the community and highlights the dangers of child abuse and the importance of intervention by child advocates and law enforcement. The Olpins’ behavior, as captured on surveillance footage, underscores the need for further awareness and action to protect vulnerable children from abuse and neglect.
