A preliminary hearing Monday for a 39-year-old Fairview Township woman accused of forcing her two teens to fast for 10 days was continued for 30 days.

Christine M. Sauer, of 109 Balut Road, Lot 1, was charged Aug. 12 with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child -- a charge that carries a maximum penalty of up to 5 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines -- and simple assault, a second-degree misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of up to 2 years in jail and $5,000 in fines.

For 10 days Ms. Sauer allegedly forced her 16- and 17-year-old daughters to consume only green beans and water because she wanted to "rid their souls of demons," according to a police affidavit.

Ms. Sauer and Lowell Williams, public defender, asked Monday for a continuance in the case, which District Justice Ruth French granted for 30 days. She also wants Ms. Sauer to undergo a mental evaluation.

Lorinda Hinch, first assistant district attorney, had no objections to the continuance, nor did she have any objections to loosening previous bond conditions that Ms. Sauer have no contact with her two daughters. Ms. Sauer is now allowed visitation and telephone contact with them if they are supervised.

According to the affidavit, a black and blue mark was seen on the left jaw of the 16-year-old girl when police and Mercer County Children and Youth Services went to the home to investigate allegations.

The girls were left in the custody of family members.