Photo:MOMS OF TRUTH/ INSTAGRAM
MOMS OF TRUTH/ INSTAGRAM
According to the statement, Franke’s lawyers described her as having “found herself on this challenging path under the influence of Ms. Hildebrant,” and said that Franke was “led astray.”
Lawyers for Hildebrandt did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The arrest of the two women — who had co-hosted parenting advice podcastConneXionssince 2022 — came after Franke’s 12-year-old son allegedly escaped Hildebrandt’s home in late August and went to a neighbor to ask for food and water, police said at the time in a statement.
When Santa Clara Public Safety Department officers arrived at the property of Hildebrandt, 54, in Ivens, Utah, in August, they discovered Franke’s daughter, 10, in what authorities described as “a similar physical condition of malnourishment.”
The two children were subsequently sent to the hospital, and both Franke and Hildebrandt were charged with six felony counts of child abuse on Sept. 6,PEOPLE confirmed at the time.
According to the Friday statement, Franke is now working with prosecutors on her plea agreement.
Describing Franke as a “devoted mother” who “is also a woman committed to constant improvement,” the statement then alleged Hildebrandt’s “influence” over her.
The statement then said that during the months that Franke has been in Washington County jail since her arrest, “she has actively engaged in an introspection that has allowed her to reset her moral compass and understand the full weight of her actions."
The Friday statement concluded that: “Winward Law recognizes the profound love that Ms. Franke holds for her children, and we are genuinely saddened that she found herself on this challenging path under the influence of Ms. Hildebrant. It is our firm belief that Ms. Franke is a devoted mother who, unfortunately, was led astray. She is sincere in her commitment to securing the best possible future for her family, and we remain hopeful that, with the right support and understanding, she can navigate a path of healing and growth.”
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If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
source: people.com
