SALINAS, Calif. -- A woman and her boyfriend were arrested Friday for allegedly torturing the woman's 11-year-old niece.

Salinas police said Maria Quintanilla Cuadra, 33, adopted her niece after both of the girl's parents died.

The girl was subjected to repeated daily beatings and forced to hold heavy objects over her head for long periods of time, investigators said.

Police said Cuadra's boyfriend, 36-year-old Jose Guervara, would force the girl to eat jalapenos without water.

The girl was found to be malnourished with welts and bruises throughout her body, police said. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Investigators said Cuadra and Guervara admitted to the behavior and a relative living at their home confirmed what they said.

Both Cuadra and Guervara are being held at the Monterey County Jail on charges of torture, child abuse, child endangerment, assault with a deadly weapon and failing to provide.

Their bail was set at more than $500,000.