DAMASCUS TOWNSHIP -- A husband and wife in Wayne County were in court Tuesday on a slew of sex charges involving children. Much of the content in the hearing was graphic and shocking.
Court papers reveal that the accused told their alleged victims not to say anything, calling it the "circle of trust."
Two boys took the stand describing the alleged sexual abuse they endured at the hands of Michael and Jamie Schwartz.
Now the couple will likely stand trial in Wayne County court on charges including rape.
Michael and Jamie Schwartz walked into a magistrate's office north of Honesdale for a hearing on charges ranging from rape to indecent assault and more.
Charges were filed last month after state police say two boys claimed the Schwartzes sexually abused them between 2011 and 2013.
One of the boys, now 12, testified saying, "We would have to walk around the house naked. Michael and Jamie were naked too."
The 15 year old added, "They forced us to take clothes off."
After an hour-long hearing, a district judge found enough evidence to send the case to trial.
Those two boys, now 12 and 15 years old, testified they would stay with Michael and Jamie Schwartz at the Schwartz home in Beach Lake two or three times per month over the weekends. During that time, they say Michael Schwartz told them there's a "circle of trust," and anything that happens inside the home stays in the home.
"They make them feel like nobody is going to understand. If you tell, you're going to be looked down on," said Marci Lancaster.
Lancaster is a friend of the boys' family. She sat through the graphic testimony about games of truth or dare and spin the rod that prosecutors say led to the sexual abuse at the former Schwartz home in the Orchard Heights mobile home park.
The couple, who lives in Philadelphia, had no comment.
As for the alleged victims, their supporters believe it had to be tough to take the stand.
"The feeling in the courtroom was devastating. You don't want to hear those details. Everyone would want to push it under the rug. We need to stand up for victims, be there, and show them they have support and we're not going anywhere," said Lancaster.
Michael and Jamie Schwartz are free on bail.
Michael Schwartz also is charged with bigamy. Investigators say they found he never was divorced from his first wife when he married Jamie Schwartz in May.
