PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County couple convicted in a child abuse case has been sentenced.

Mary Hall and Jerome Norman appeared in Pike Circuit Court Friday, where a judge sentenced each to 20 years in prison after entering blind guilty pleas.

According to prosecutors, the couple abused three children who had been placed in Hall’s care. Concerns were first raised by staff at Kimper Elementary School, who noticed injuries and signs of neglect involving one of the children.

An investigation by Kentucky State Police found the children were living in poor conditions and had been subjected to ongoing abuse.

In court, officials said the children continue to face lasting physical and emotional effects.

Judge Eddy Coleman sentenced both Hall and Norman to 20 years, which will be served concurrently.

Prosecutors credited school staff for reporting concerns that led to the investigation.