American police have charged an ex-Amish couple for allegedly “gifting” their teenage daughter to a man.

Daniel and Savilla Stoltzfus have been accused of giving their 14-year-old daughter to Lee Kaplan, 51, who is Jewish, after he helped save their farm by providing financial support four years ago.

Mr Kaplan - who has been charged with statutory sexual assault, corruption of minors, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault and unlawful contact with a minor - is said to have impregnated the teenager, now 18, as soon as she moved into his home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Her nine sisters, and two children fathered by Mr Kaplan, were found at his home after police and children’s services were tipped off by concerned neighbour.

Authorities were said to have discovered 12 young girls, believed to be the 10 sisters plus the two children (aged three and six months), hiding in his basement and chicken coop on Thursday.

Mr Kaplan and the Stoltzfus couple, aged 43 and 42, from the Amish community, are being held on bail.

Mr Stoltzfus was charged with conspiracy of statutory sexual assault and endangering children. Mrs Stoltzfus has been charged with endangering the welfare of child.