Delaware couple accused of forcing children to eat dog food

DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Delaware husband and wife are facing multiple felony charges for allegedly abusing their seven children for years.

Jason and Kristelle Fuller were indicted by a grand jury April 18 on a combined 13-count indictment, including multiple charges of child endangerment. They have been accused of abusing their seven children since at least 2015.

Both have pleaded not guilty. Kristelle Fuller was arraigned Wednesday on four felony counts, including obstruction of justice and child endangerment, and given a $75,000 bond, which she posted later that day. Jason Fuller, facing eight child endangerment charges and one charge of victim intimidation, was given $200,000 bond on Thursday and will be monitored by GPS upon release.

Prosecutors at Jason's arraignment asked for the $200,000 bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations against him. They alleged that the couple, led by Jason, hit the children with belts, locked at least one in a shed, forced them to eat dog food as punishment, and caused at least one child to lose consciousness due to forced extreme physical exercise.

He also intimidated the children into concealing the abuse from authorities, prosecutors claim. They expressed concern that he would use his influence to manipulate the criminal investigation. The magistrate ordered him to refrain from contacting, both directly and indirectly, his children and wife.

Jason has been a licensed and practicing attorney in Ohio since 2009, according to Ohio State bar records. His defense attorney requested a $75,000 bond, citing his lack of criminal history, ties to the community and multiple jobs that require travel.