SPRINGFIELD, Ohio -- On Monday, potential jurors in the case of a Springfield man accuse of abusing his adopted children heard the first pieces of evidence in the case.

Both the prosecution and the defense made opening statements to the potential jurors in the case.

According to prosecutors, James Ferguson tortured five of his adopted children. They said the children were hit to scare them into behaving.

Ferguson faces 30 counts of child endangering, permitting child abuse and felonious assault.

Prosecutors said the children suffered bruises and then said that he disposed of evidence.

However, Ferguson’s defense attorney states otherwise. He said that the allegations are made being made by the state of Ohio and not the children.