Utah Woman’s YouTube Parenting Advice Partner Faces Child Abuse Allegations

In a shocking child abuse case, the 12-year-old son of a Utah woman known for offering parenting advice via a popular YouTube channel has disclosed distressing details of the abuse he endured. The boy reported that his mother’s business partner, a licensed mental health counselor, used ropes to restrain him and employed cayenne pepper and honey to treat the resulting wounds. The alleged abuse has led to charges against both the business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, and the boy’s mother, Ruby Franke, each facing six felony counts of aggravated child abuse for injuries inflicted on the boy and Franke’s 10-year-old daughter. Both accused individuals are currently in custody without bond.

The harrowing incident unfolded when the emaciated 12-year-old managed to escape from Hildebrandt’s residence and sought help from nearby neighbors on August 30. The child disclosed to officers that he had been bound with ropes on his wrists and ankles, with cayenne pepper and honey applied to the resulting wounds. Authorities argued that the presence of remedies for the children’s wounds suggests Hildebrandt’s awareness of the abuse. The youngest children have been placed under protective custody, with ongoing investigations revealing additional distressing evidence, including the discovery of ropes, handcuffs, and concerning materials at Hildebrandt’s residence. Hildebrandt’s attorney was unavailable for comment, and Franke’s attorney was reported to be out of the country at the time of this report.

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