GASTONIA, N.C. -- Gaston County police said a mother and her live-in boyfriend are facing child abuse charges after they allegedly shot three of the woman’s children with a BB gun.

Officers arrested Jessica Pack and Jackie Nanney early Wednesday. They are accused of shooting at Pack’s 4-, 5- and 7-year-old children.

The pair made their first appearance in court Wednesday afternoon. Pack told the court she did shoot the 4-year-old, and that she allowed Nanney to shoot all three of the children.

Nanney told the judge he used the BB gun to shoot cans and nothing more.

“I don’t shoot no kids,” he said.

But police said Nanney shot at the children for sport.

“They were shot with a BB gun apparently for fun and games to this gentleman,” said Sgt. Chris Reynolds.

Police said Nanney shot them while they were in the bathtub of their home on Pacemont Lane and while they were riding bikes anywhere, anytime.

Investigators said he also opened a door on the 7-year-old, pinning him against a wall. He also allegedly shot around hedges, hitting the child several times.

“One actually was bleeding from the BBs,” Reynolds said.

Nanney asked the judge to lower his bond.

“I'm asking for a little mercy. I know these things sound bad. I know it sounds real bad, because it sounds bad to me, but I'm not that type of person, your honor,” he said.

The judge, however, raised Nanney’s bond to $400,000. Pack's bond was increased to $200,000.

Pack's mother said she couldn't imagine her daughter hurting the children.

“If she did it, she should be punished for it, but I don't think she did it,” she said.

The 4-, 5- and 7-year-old and their 13-year-old sibling are now living with their grandmother.

Police said the children’s physical injuries are gone, but it will take time for them to recover from the psychological wounds.