LINCOLN COUNTY, Mo. – Brenda Deutsch, 70, who has reportedly fostered hundreds of children, is locked up on a case the Lincoln County prosecutor says is expanding.

“That list is continuing to grow so this could potentially be a lot larger than even we realize,” said Prosecuting Attorney Mike Wood of Lincoln County.

Wood met Tuesday with the Winfield School District “…to talk about potentially other victims that could be there and other observations that they’ve had.”

The district sent a statement to FOX 2, saying:

“We have policies and procedures in place regarding the monitoring of student attendance … We will continue to work with law enforcement and the Division of Family Services.”

The Deutsch investigation began with reported excessive absences at the High School and rumors told to the school resource officer that the foster mother traded a child for a monkey in Texas. 

The foster child in question was later found in Texas.

“Brenda is wrongly accused,” a supporter of Deutsch’s said outside of court. Hargis and another defender showed up on Deutsch’s behalf; they said after meeting her at church.

“She was trying to get people to help deal with the problems with the children and their behavior, punching holes in the walls and doors,” Hargis added.

In the courtroom, defendant Deutsch repeatedly exclaimed, “Oh my God” and gasped as the prosecutor fought to keep her bond at $250,000 cash only. 

The judge agreed to keep her bond as is. She may return as soon as this week for another hearing, as she still hasn’t hired an attorney.