A couple from Missouri has been accused of confining two teenagers in a chicken coop and shooting at them with BB guns, actions that investigators describe as part of a long history of severe mistreatment.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office reported that Chantel Spring Hayford, 38, and Jerry Allen Menees, residents of Potosi, Missouri, were taken into custody on January 13.

Menees is facing multiple charges, including two counts each of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree child endangerment, armed criminal action, and child abuse or neglect. Additionally, he has been charged with one count of unlawful weapon use and three counts of first-degree domestic assault.

Hayford has been charged with two counts of first-degree kidnapping, one count of first-degree sexual abuse, three counts of first-degree child endangerment, four counts of child abuse or neglect, and two counts of first-degree domestic assault. Both individuals are being detained without the possibility of bail.

Jerry Allen Menees is confronting several felony charges following allegations that two teenagers were confined in a chicken pen, targeted with BB gunfire, and subjected to ongoing abuse, as reported by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation began after the Division of Family Services alerted deputies to allegations of abuse and neglect involving two children, ages 13 and 14, leading to a search warrant and the arrests.

According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, investigators detailed additional allegations in a probable cause statement and warrant application outlining what they described as repeated abuse involving the two teenagers.

Chantel Spring Hayford faces multiple felony charges after investigators say two teens were locked in a chicken pen, shot at with BB guns and subjected to prolonged abuse. (Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

Investigators wrote that the children told authorities they were locked inside a chicken pen that was fastened shut and then shot at with BB guns during the alleged incident.

Court records further allege the children were threatened with real guns, including a handgun, and warned they would be shot if they spoke about the abuse.

A Missouri couple faces multiple felony charges after investigators say two teens were locked in a chicken pen, shot at with BB guns and subjected to prolonged abuse. (WJZY)

The warrant application also describes an alleged pattern of ongoing abuse and neglect, including repeated physical violence and intimidation and organized “fight nights” in which the children were allegedly forced to fight one another.

According to a probable cause statement, investigators said those allegations form the basis of the trafficking charges after an adult guardian reported the children came to her home seeking food. She later said their mother agreed to transfer custody of them in exchange for a cellphone and phone plan, an arrangement authorities said was documented through a power of attorney.

The guardian further told investigators the children were severely underweight when they arrived and had not been enrolled in school, with medical providers later determining they could not read or write, according to court records.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and credited the Child Advocacy Center and the Washington County Division of Family Services for assisting in the case.