(NewsNation) — Jodi Hildebrandt, once the business partner of Ruby Franke, the former YouTube creator who pleaded guilty to child abuse last week, will appear in court Wednesday.
Franke and her husband once gave parenting advice on the popular “8 Passengers” YouTube channel. After the channel was removed from YouTube earlier this year, Franke began a new business venture focused on counseling with Hildebrandt called ConneXions Classroom.
In court last Monday, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse. Two of the initial counts were dropped as part of the plea agreement.
Hildebrandt also faces six counts of felony aggravated child abuse.
While Franke and two of her children were staying with Hildebrandt, her neighbors called 911 after Franke’s 12-year-old son climbed a window and ran to their house to ask for food and water. The child had duct tape on his ankle as well as lacerations from being tied up with rope. When police went to Hildebrandt’s home, they found Franke’s 10-year-old daughter, who was described as being malnourished.
Franke’s two other minor children were found at Franke’s home. All four were taken into custody.
Winward Law, the firm representing Franke, said in a statement that Hildebrandt took advantage of Franke’s quest for “continual improvement” and “twisted it into something heinous.”
As part of her plea deal, Franke has to testify against Hildebrandt.
This story is developing. Refresh for updates.
NewsNation digital producer Steph Whiteside contributed to this article.
