Bill James, attorney for the Kluths, could not be reached for comment.

The state called the teenager to testify during the five-hour hearing, Hesse said.

The couple are accused of beating, choking and burning their three adopted children, ages 15, 11 and 9, according to an arrest affidavit. John Kluth told investigators the two boys and a girl came to them already abused.

The boys were confined in a darkened cellar at their Yukon home for up to seven months at a time, and the Kluths kept the eldest boy in a dog crate for up to two months, the affidavit states.

The abuse charges came to light after the oldest boy ran away and authorities found him sleeping in a box behind a Braum’s in Oklahoma City. All three were taken into state custody.

Sonja Kluth told investigators she had become a monster and that she lost all control when trying to deal with the children.

John Kluth admitted to excessively punishing the children, the affidavit states but blamed most of the severe abuse on his wife.

The Kluths adopted the children from Winnebago County, Wis., and had been receiving $4,500 a month in support money until Wisconsin authorities learned about the arrests.

The couple are scheduled to return to court Aug. 23. They are free on bail.

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