A Checotah couple running a daycare center out of their home is accused of abusing children under their care, according to police.

After a lengthy investigation that began on July 7, Checotah police and Sheriff ’s deputies arrested a husband and wife on Oct. 1.

Bond for Jacob Daniel Smith, 32, has been set at $2 million. Bond for Stephanie Smith, 38, is set at $1 million.

They were scheduled to make their initial appearance in court at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 7.

On July 7, after receiving several complaints from parents and children about abuse taking place at the facility, Officers Jacob Mitchell and D. Mitchell launched an investigation that continued until arrests were made Oct. 1.

During that period several parents, and their children who were enrolled in the daycare center, were interviewed.

L awme n c on f i s c at ed security cameras, cell phones and other evidence they say confirmed many of the allegations.

Among the allegations: some children were made to stand against a wall with their nose in a circle or stand in a corner with their arms stretched outward; there were several instances of verbal abuse; some children were shaken and thrown.

The daycare owners allegedly cursed at the children, called them disparaging names, and in once instance a child’s mouth was taped shut.

The report stated that a 2-year-old was picked up by both legs and thrown into a pile of toys and that Jacob Smith threatened to put a little girl in a box.

In a cell phone video, police say there was an image of Jacob Mitchell sitting at a desk masturbating at 7 a.m. while a child was sitting in the room watching television.

There was also other sexually explicit videos on a cell phone, according to the information filed by police.