Two Marion County parents accused of abusing their nine children appeared in Marion County court Monday via video.

MCSO photos

Graydon and Robyn Drown

Each was charged with criminally mistreating their children. Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the mistreatment allegations.

Friends of Robyn and Graydon Drown described them as deeply religious people who raised their children in a very strict manner. However, they said they never saw any signs of abuse or neglect. In fact, they described the Drowns as loving parents.

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“They follow the Old Testament and they have a very strict belief system which is very different from an American's belief system,” said Sharona Aguilar, a family friend. “Yes, he is strict with his children. When you have nine kids you have to be strict.”

All nine children, ranging in age from six weeks to 16 years, are in protective custody, divided between four different foster homes.

"We believe very, very strongly in God and we follow the Torah, which is the Old Testament," said Sharona Aguilar, a friend of the Drowns.  "No one should be discriminated for that," she said.

 Another friend of the Drowns, Nikki Reynolds, said she'd also observed the Drowns with their kids and said she's always known them to be wonderful parents.

"I can't even believe this happened to them," said Reynolds.  “They are the sweetest people, they are so wonderful to their children."

The couple remains behind bars, each on $180,000 bond.

Authorities said an anonymous tip lead them to the couple's home in Turner, Ore. last Thursday. After searching the home, deputies quickly arrested both parents.

(KGW Reporter Katherine Cook contributed to this story)