``The Dollars thought they could change [the kids'] lives,'' Charlie Vaughan said. ``But they ran into a lot of baggage.''

John Dollar, 59, and his 52- year- old wife each face five counts of aggravated child abuse.

They are accused of torturing some of the children with cattle prods, pliers and hammers. They're also accused of depriving them of food and sleep.

If convicted in a trial tentatively set for Oct. 31, they face 30 years in prison on each charge.

After a court hearing Monday to set a trial date, Vaughan said the case could go to trial or result in a plea deal.

The Dollars were arrested in Utah on Feb. 4, two weeks after their 16-year-old son was taken to a hospital with head and neck injuries. The boy weighed 59 pounds.

Their seven minor children were placed in state custody Jan. 27.

One, a 14-year-old boy, told a Citrus County sheriff's detective his toenails were ripped out with pliers and he and some of his siblings were chained and sometimes hung off the ground until they passed out.

Authorities say the abuses occurred over a period of several years and escaped detection until recently because the family moved frequently, living full or part time in Hillsborough and Polk counties as well as Tennessee before moving here in August.

The Dollars have pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail.

Reporter Jim Tunstall can be reached at (352) 628-5558.