Child Abuse Case Reveals Unconventional Wound Treatment with Cayenne Pepper and Honey

Ruby Franke, a popular YouTuber and family blogger, and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse after police found an emaciated 12-year-old victim who claimed Hildebrandt tied them up with a rope and used cayenne pepper and honey to dress their wounds. The child's escape and subsequent visit to a neighbor led to the police response. Warrants revealed that the child was bound with rope, had cayenne pepper and honey smeared in their wounds, and duct tape was used to bind and dress the lacerations. Franke's child and four youngest children were taken into state custody, and child welfare proceedings are ongoing. Hildebrandt's attorney cited a life-threatening medical issue, resulting in hospitalization. Each count of child abuse carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.