A parenting YouTuber, Ruby Franke, has been sentenced to spend a minimum of four years in prison after receiving four separate prison terms ranging from one to 15 years each for aggravated child abuse charges. Her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, also received an identical sentence.
Franke, known for her 8 Passengers YouTube channel with over 2.3 million subscribers, was arrested in Ivins, Utah, last August after her malnourished 12-year-old son sought help from a neighbor, having escaped from Hildebrandt’s home where he was found bound and injured. Another daughter was discovered in a similar malnourished state at the same location.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Franke’s nine and 11-year-old children were living in appalling conditions akin to a “concentration camp,” being deprived of basic necessities like food, water, proper bedding, and entertainment.
Following the sentencing, a remorseful Franke tearfully apologized to her children, admitting to being disoriented and believing in distorted perceptions of reality. Concerns surrounding Franke’s parenting methods surfaced in 2020 when disturbing incidents such as forcing her son to sleep on a bean bag for months were disclosed on her channel. Reports also highlighted instances of food deprivation, threats, and canceling Christmas for her children.
Off-camera, Franke’s children endured severe punishments including being physically abused, restrained, and compelled to work outdoors without protection from the sun. Despite public outcry and petitions for investigation, no legal action was taken initially, and the parents defended their actions as misrepresented.
The collaboration between Franke and Hildebrandt on parenting and relationship advice videos came to an end when their channel was deleted in 2022 due to declining popularity. Subsequently, Franke appeared in videos on Hildebrandt’s platform, ConneXions Classroom, before their legal troubles unfolded.
Kevin Franke, Ruby’s ex-husband, advocated for the maximum sentence, condemning the horrific treatment his children endured. The sentences for Franke and Hildebrandt will be served consecutively, with the duration determined by the state’s parole board.
For more information, you can refer to the related links provided.