Overview
Ruby Franke, a former prominent family influencer recognized for her stringent parenting approach, has been handed a sentence of up to 30 years subsequent to admitting guilt to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse involving two of her offspring.
Key Points
During the recent hearing, Franke acknowledged being led to a “dark place” and attributed her actions to “paranoia.” She expressed remorse, stating, “I take full accountability for my actions,” as per NBC affiliate KSL.
Franke received four consecutive prison terms ranging from one to 15 years each, with Utah law capping the cumulative sentence at 30 years.
In a previous instance in December, Franke confessed to mistreating and depriving two of her six children. Her legal counsel implicated her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, for exploiting Franke and instilling a “twisted moral compass.”
The duo operated a YouTube channel named ConneXions, promoting guidance for enhancing joy in life and relationships. However, the channel faced backlash for its extremist and manipulative content.
Hildebrandt, like Franke, pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse and awaits sentencing by the parole board, per NBC-KSL.
Prosecutor Eric Clarke described the environment Franke created for her children as akin to a “concentration camp,” involving severe acts of abuse, according to CBS News.
Unanswered Questions
The duration of Franke and Hildebrandt’s incarceration remains uncertain, pending a decision by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
Notable Statement
Apologizing in court, Franke expressed her distorted beliefs about the world, mentioning, “I was led to believe that this world was an evil place filled with cops who control, hospitals that injure, government agencies that brainwash, church leaders who lie and lust, husbands who refuse to protect and children who need abuse,” as reported by ABC News.
Collaboration Between Hildebrandt And Franke
In 2022, Franke and Hildebrandt launched the ConneXions channel, initially a parenting platform aiming to assist those struggling with distorted perceptions. Hildebrandt had been operating Connexions independently as a Mormon life coaching service since 2007, eventually formalizing it as a business in 2016, per TIME. An NBC News investigation revealed similarities to a cult, with Hildebrandt allegedly isolating individuals and imposing stringent beliefs. Franke’s legal team asserted that Hildebrandt subjected Franke to similar treatment, leading her into a delusional state. Both women admitted to child abuse, with Franke confessing to severe actions against her son and Hildebrandt admitting to harmful behavior towards Franke’s daughter.
Background Information
Initially gaining fame through the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel established in 2015 (now removed), Franke shared her family life with husband Kevin Franke and their six children. Criticism from viewers, predating her association with Hildebrandt, often centered on allegations of abusive child discipline, including claims of starvation. The involvement of Child Protection Services in 2020 followed a video where Franke’s son revealed punitive sleeping conditions. The arrests of Hildebrandt and Franke in August 2023 ensued after one of Franke’s children sought help from a neighbor, having escaped with restraints. Shari Franke, the eldest child, expressed relief on social media following the arrests, stating their long-standing efforts to alert authorities about the situation had finally borne fruit.