Investigators say John Dollar, 59, and his wife, Linda, 52, used a cattle prod, mallet, pliers, chains and other items to abuse their children over a period of years. Authorities say the Dollars also deprived the children, then ages 16 and younger, of food and sleep, bound them with chains and forced them to live in a closet.

As part of their no contest plea, they will not be prosecuted in other jurisdictions, including Hillsborough and Polk counties, where investigators say similar abuses occurred.

The plea came less than a week after prosecutors released testimony from a psychologist who likened the children's treatment to that of prisoners of war.

``You were out of control,'' the lead investigator, Citrus County sheriff's Detective Lisa Wall, said, addressing the couple during the hearing. ``I hope you can overcome your demons.''

Circuit Judge Ric Howard added: ``These children did nothing to deserve the harm you caused them.''

``You must suffer for what has been done to them.''

As a condition of their probation, the Dollars apologized to their children after sentencing.

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