Ankeny couple who abused adopted disabled children won't spend any jail time

John Bell, 56, and Joyce Bell, 58, sentenced to two years' probation

Hannah Hilyard 

ES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) —

An Ankeny couple who pleaded guilty to physically abusing their adopted children have been given probation, which one family member said was scant given the years of violence in the home.

Joyce Bell, 58, and her husband, John Bell, 56, were sentenced Thursday to two years of probation.

They had pleaded guilty in May to two counts of misdemeanor child endangerment. State prosecutors who lowered the charges from felony counts said probation is a good resolution for everyone, but “it’s a little frustrating to say the least,” said Makayla Bell, the couple’s adopted daughter.

A disturbing video surfaced last summer on Facebook, showing the Bells verbally and physically abusing their children. The couple had adopted nine disabled children from foster care.

John Bell admitted to disciplining two of his children "in an inappropriate and harsh manner, both physically and verbally." Joyce Bell admitted using harsh language and being "verbally aggressive" with two of the children.

Makayla Bell, who said she was removed from the home eight years ago, didn't expect the judge to sentence them to probation.

“They’re getting a slap on the hand for beating the crap out of kids for quite a few years,” she said.

Steve Foritano, a former prosecutor, said several factors go into determining a sentence recommendation, such as the seriousness of the charge, the defendant’s past criminal history and the physical and emotional abuse to the children.

“Typically, the sentencing recommendation is something that is taken very seriously,” Foritano said.

In the Bells’ case, the state said the defendants didn't have a criminal past, and they are currently undergoing mental health treatment.

Makayla Bell and other people on social media say that’s not enough and that the couple should be in prison.

“There may be outcry at the time of the sentencing by the public, but generally the public doesn't have access to the information that the prosecutors have and the judges,” Foritano said.

There is a no-contact order for the children against their parents.