Mom behind now-deleted YouTube channel pleads not guilty to child abuse charges

FLORENCE, Ariz. (FOX 10) - A Valley woman accused of abusing her seven adopted children and forcing them to star in YouTube videos pleaded not guilty to child abuse and kidnapping charges on Friday.

Machelle Hobson, 47, will enter a plea just days after she was indicted by a grand jury on multiple charges of child abuse and kidnapping.

Hobson is accused of using pepper spray on the children, locking them in a closet without food and water and making them take ice baths.

Hobson's two adult sons, Logan D. Hackney and Ryan D. Hackney, have also been arrested on multiple counts of failing to report the abuse of a minor.

According to court documents, the children mentioned having to take part in the YouTube channel and were disciplined if they did not remember their lines, or did not participate as they were directed to.

The children also stated that the YouTube channel was one of the reasons Hobson took them out of school and said they have not been in school for years.

The YouTube channel has since been deleted.

Hobson remains in jail on a $200,000 bond.

Her children are in DCS custody.