John and Carolyn Jackson of Mount Holly appeared in federal court Thursday in Newark. They were ordered to have no contact with children.
The couple allegedly abused the children while John Jackson was stationed at the Picatinny Arsenal in Morris County from 2007 to 2012. Prosecutors say the couple broke bones, withheld food and forced the children to eat hot sauce and peppers.
The two were indicted on 17 counts including endangerment, assault and conspiracy.
The children are now in custody of New Jersey's Children and Families Department. One of the children died in 2008, but the death was determined not to be caused by abuse or neglect.
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