After attempting to flee in July, a 12-year-old boy from Utah was restrained by his mother, Ruby Franke, a prominent vlogger, who used two pairs of handcuffs to bind his hands and feet.
In a detailed 10-page plea agreement reviewed by PEOPLE, the mom influencer confessed to physically assaulting her son, Russell, by kicking him, submerging his head in water, and obstructing his breathing by covering his mouth and nose with her hands.
Recently, Ruby was handed a 4 to 60-year prison sentence for child abuse, as reported by TODAY, KSL 5, and KUTV. Additionally, her former business partner and therapist, Jodi Hildebrandt, who Ruby alleges instigated the abuse, received a similar sentence after both pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.
Both Ruby and Jodi admitted to having a role in the abuse and, as part of the plea deal, gave up their right to appeal. As part of the agreement, two charges of aggravated child abuse against each of them were dismissed, according to Tania Mashburn, a spokesperson for Utah State Courts.
During a court hearing in December, where Ruby pleaded guilty to the charges, she hesitated before admitting guilt to the fourth count, expressing deep remorse for the impact on her family and children.
At the sentencing hearing in December, Ruby, clad in prison attire, acknowledged her guilt while expressing regret for the harm caused to her loved ones.
The legal firm representing Ruby released a statement to CBS News, alleging that Jodi Hildebrandt manipulated Ruby’s pursuit of self-improvement, turning it into something malevolent.
A major twist in the case occurred when Jodi Hildebrandt pled guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse in a separate hearing.
The events leading to the sentencing unfolded, overshadowing Ruby’s once-thriving career as a parenting advice vlogger with millions of followers on YouTube.
Prior to her arrest, Ruby and her husband Kevin, known for their parenting content on the 8 passengers vlog, sought counseling from Hildebrandt in an effort to salvage their marriage.
Hildebrandt, who founded the therapy group ConneXions, advocated for the couple’s separation to mend their relationship, leading to Kevin moving out and severing ties with his family under Hildebrandt’s guidance.
Despite previous visits by social workers and law enforcement to their home, no formal charges were brought against the family until the child abuse escalated during the summer of 2023.
The plea agreement revealed disturbing details of the abuse, including forcing the children to work outdoors without shoes, denying them food and water, and subjecting them to psychological torment.
Following Russell’s escape and subsequent rescue, law enforcement arrested Ruby and Hildebrandt, marking the culmination of a tragic chapter in their lives.
The harrowing ordeal shed light on the dark reality behind the facade of a popular vlogger’s family life, serving as a cautionary tale of unchecked abuse and manipulation.