YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner — who are charged with abusing Franke’s children — are reportedly experiencing medical issues since being arrested last month.
People reported that Franke was placed in a medical unit at Washington County jail on Friday. Meanwhile, Franke’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, 54, reportedly suffered a life-threatening medical issue that required her to be hospitalized for several days.
The nature of Hildebrandt and Franke’s medical issues was not disclosed.
On August 30, Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested after Franke’s malnourished 12-year-old son reportedly escaped a home with duct tape on his ankles and wrists. Franke’s son reportedly went to a neighbor’s home to ask for food and water. That neighbor called police, leading cops to Hildebrandt’s home where they allegedly located a 10-year-old child who was reportedly also malnourished.
Franke’s two children were staying with Hildebrandt at the time. Hildebrandt directly cared for the children, but police suspect Franke was aware of the abuse as she filmed a YouTube video in Hildebrandt’s basement two days before Wednesday’s incident.
Hildebrand allegedly commented that the children should “never be around any other kids” — further leading police to believe she was aware of the abuse. The St. Louis Tribune reported that gauze was found in her home.
Franke’s four children were placed in the state’s care following last month’s incident. She and Hildebrandt remain jailed without bond.
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[Featured image: YouTube]
