engineering director with the City of Goodyear and his wife have been charged with child abuse

An engineering director with the City of Goodyear and his wife have been charged with child abuse, accused of breaking their 4-year-old daughter's legs during potty training.

Raul Varela and his wife, Tricia, each face one count of felony abuse.

Investigators say their 4-year-old adopted daughter is hospitalized in stable condition with fractures to both legs and her right arm. The girl also had bruises all over her body.

According to police, the Varelas admitted injuring the girl in what they called a "war" to get her to go to the bathroom.

Police said the couple forced the girl on the toilet with her hands behind her back and pushed on her stomach and body while holding her head between her legs. They also said the Varelas sometimes kept the 4-year-old on the toilet for hours.

While the girl was in critical condition when she first arrived at the hospital, she is doing better.

The couple's five other children -- three adopted daughters and two biological sons, all younger than 10 -- are now in the custody of Child Protective Services.

Varela has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

Arrested on Tuesday, the Varelas have been released until their prelimminary hearing later this month.