A parenting influencer is now facing a 30-year prison sentence after confessing to physically and emotionally mistreating her children.
Ruby Franke, a 42-year-old Utah native, garnered a substantial online following through her ‘8 Passengers’ YouTube channel. The channel, launched in 2015, amassed 2.3 million subscribers before being shut down last year due to the scandal.
Alongside her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby admitted to four counts of aggravated child abuse, leading to the potential for significant jail time. The distressing details of this case have been covered by Cosmopolitan UK.
Background on Ruby Franke and ‘8 Passengers’ YouTube Channel
Ruby Franke, known for her Mormon faith and homeschooling discussions on the channel, shared insights into her life with her husband, Kevin, and their six children. Despite the channel’s popularity, it faced criticism for Ruby’s controversial parenting methods.
One notable incident involved Ruby’s eldest son sleeping on a beanbag for an extended period as a form of punishment, which sparked outrage among viewers. Ruby’s disciplinary actions, including threats to discard her children’s toys and invasion of their privacy, were also heavily scrutinized.
Following the disturbing revelations, YouTube took action by terminating the channels associated with Ruby Franke and enforcing restrictions to prevent her from creating new channels on the platform.
Arrest and Charges
The turning point came in August last year when Ruby’s 12-year-old son escaped from Jodi Hilderbrant’s residence, where he was staying. The boy, bearing signs of physical abuse and neglect, sought help from a neighbor, leading to the involvement of law enforcement.
Subsequent investigations unveiled the extent of the abuse, resulting in Ruby and Jodi facing six felony counts of aggravated child abuse. In a plea deal accepted by prosecutors, both parties admitted guilt to four of the charges.
Admission of Guilt and Abusive Behavior
Ruby Franke confessed to subjecting her son to grueling physical tasks without adequate hydration, causing severe sunburns and isolation from basic amenities like food and entertainment. Reports revealed instances of physical assault, confinement, and verbal degradation towards her children.
The harrowing details painted a picture of a toxic environment where Ruby’s youngest daughter also endured similar mistreatment. The children were coerced into believing that the abuse was necessary for obedience and repentance.
As a result of the abuse, Ruby’s four minor children were placed in protective custody. According to Utah’s aggravated child abuse statutes, the seriousness of the allegations could result in a maximum sentence of fifteen years for each count.
Reaction to Sentencing
During the sentencing, Ruby Franke expressed remorse for the pain inflicted on her children, acknowledging her distorted reality and misguided actions. Meanwhile, Jodi emphasized her concern for the children’s emotional well-being and hoped for their healing and recovery.
Kevin Franke, Ruby’s estranged husband, distanced himself from the situation, emphasizing his shock at the allegations and emphasizing his non-involvement in the abuse.
Conclusion
The case of Ruby Franke sheds light on the dark consequences of parental abuse and the importance of safeguarding children’s well-being. It serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility that influencers hold in portraying a positive and nurturing environment for their audience.