Ruby Franke, the former host of a now-defunct parenting channel on YouTube, who admitted in December to four counts of aggravated child abuse, has been sentenced to serve one to 15 years in prison for each count, consecutively, as determined by a judge on Tuesday. Jodi Hildebrandt, a former colleague of Franke, received a similar sentence on the same day.
The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will decide the specific duration of their sentences, capped at a maximum of 30 years, the legal limit for consecutive sentences in the state.
During the sentencing hearing, it was revealed that from May to August 2023, Franke, a mother of six, subjected two of her children, aged nine and 11 at the time, to conditions described as resembling a “concentration camp.” Prosecutors stated that she deprived them of sufficient food, water, entertainment, and proper sleeping arrangements while keeping them isolated from others.
Additionally, Franke, 42, allegedly compelled her children to perform physically demanding tasks in extreme heat without basic necessities like shoes, socks, or water. The children were reportedly made to endure standing on scorching concrete for extended periods, enduring beatings, and being frequently restrained by their hands and feet, resulting in injuries severe enough to necessitate hospitalization.
Prosecutors highlighted that one of the children had to flee and seek help from a neighbor, prompting police intervention. The situation was deemed dire, with Mr. Clarke remarking, “Heaven only knows how much longer he could have survived in that situation.”
Known for showcasing her strict parenting methods on social media, Franke was apprehended on August 30th alongside Hildebrandt after authorities observed signs of neglect and abuse on two of Franke’s children, including malnourishment, open wounds, and being bound with duct tape.
Franke’s YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, where she shared insights into her family life and disciplinary approaches, amassed nearly 2.5 million followers before its removal from the platform.
In her statement during the sentencing, Franke acknowledged being misled by misguided beliefs, expressing regret and taking full responsibility for her actions.
This article was originally published in The New York Times.