The Californian couple accused of keeping their 13 children locked up and malnourished at home have pleaded not guilty to child abuse, torture and false imprisonment.
Prosecutors have said the victims were beaten, starved and chained by David Allen Turpin, 57, and his wife Louise Anna Turpin, 49.
The couple face 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult.
Mr Turpin is also charged with committing a lewd act against a child by force or fear or duress.
District Attorney Mike Hestrin said that bail had been set at $13 million for each of the defendants.
If convicted of all charges, they face up to life in prison.
Mr Hestrin said all of the children had been subjected to "prolonged abuse" and had not been allowed to shower more than once a year and were not allowed to see a dentist or doctor.
The Turpins were arrested last Sunday after sheriff's deputies in Perris, southeast of Los Angeles, found several children shackled with chains and padlocks at their home.
The raid on the house came after authorities received an emergency call from their 17-year-old sister who had managed to escape.
All 13 children are being treated for malnutrition and are undergoing medical tests.
The couple's next court appearance is scheduled for 23 February.
