The popular YouTuber Ruby Franke known for her parenting advice on the “8 Passengers” channel, has been sentenced to up to 60 years in prison for felony child abuse. The sentencing took place on February 20, revealing disturbing details of physical and emotional abuse inflicted on her own children. Here’s an overview of the case and the tearful apology Franke offered during the sentencing.
During the sentencing, Ruby Franke, a Utah mother of six, tearfully apologized to her children for the physical and emotional abuse they endured. She claimed to have been “manipulated” by her fellow YouTuber and business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Franke acknowledged the harm caused to her children, expressing remorse and acknowledging her distorted reality.
Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, attempting to convince Franke’s two youngest children that they were evil and needed punishment to repent. Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped the abusive environment and sought help from a neighbor, leading to the arrest of the two women at Hildebrandt’s residence in August.
The abusive conditions were described as “a concentration camp-like setting,” reminiscent of the harsh environments created by the Nazis during the Holocaust, according to the state prosecuting attorney, Eric Clarke.
Both Franke and Hildebrandt received four consecutive prison sentences of one to 15 years. However, Utah state law caps the sentence duration for consecutive penalties at 30 years. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will evaluate their behavior while incarcerated to determine the actual time each will spend behind bars.
Prior to the arrest, Ruby Franke faced criticism for her parenting decisions, including controversial punishments for her children. She and her husband, Kevin Franke, started the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel in 2015, which documented their experiences raising six children. The channel has since ended, and Kevin Franke has filed for divorce.
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt have 30 days to appeal their sentences. The disturbing revelations shed light on a once-popular YouTuber’s dark actions and the consequences she now faces for the felony child abuse. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing child abuse concerns promptly. If you are worried about a child’s safety, you can contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
