Former YouTube Mom Ruby Franke and Business Partner Sentenced to 30 Years for Child Abuse

Former YouTube sensation Ruby Franke, known for her family vlogs on the “8 Passengers” channel, along with her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, faced a sobering reckoning as they were sentenced to up to 30 years in prison on child abuse charges. Each woman received four consecutive sentences, capped at the state’s limit of 30 years, with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole tasked with determining their exact prison terms.

In a poignant courtroom moment, Franke expressed remorse, acknowledging accountability and a willingness to unlearn the harmful beliefs she once endorsed. Tearfully, she admitted to distorting religious doctrines and apologized for her actions, recognizing the gravity of her wrongdoing.

The charges stemmed from a disturbing case in which two of Franke’s children were discovered malnourished in Hildebrandt’s basement. Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree child abuse, detailing harrowing acts of torture inflicted upon her son, including deprivation of basic necessities, physical abuse, and psychological torment. Her daughter also suffered neglect and abuse, enduring grueling labor and emotional manipulation.

Franke’s rise to prominence on YouTube, where she shared family dynamics and parenting advice, was marred by controversy surrounding her disciplinary methods. Criticism mounted as her punitive actions, such as confiscating a child’s bed and withholding meals, raised concerns about her parenting approach.

Transitioning from the “8 Passengers” channel, Franke joined forces with Hildebrandt to launch ConneXions Classroom, a venture focusing on counseling. However, Hildebrandt’s licensed counselor status was relinquished upon pleading guilty to the child abuse charges, tarnishing their collaborative endeavor.

The situation escalated when Franke and two of her children moved in with Hildebrandt, separate from Franke’s husband. Authorities intervened after Franke’s son sought help from a neighbor, revealing the dire conditions he endured. Subsequent investigations uncovered the distressing state of Franke’s daughter, prompting immediate intervention by law enforcement.

The tragic fallout resulted in all minor children being taken into custody, with Franke’s eldest daughter estranged from the family and attending Brigham Young University. Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Franke’s 18-year-old son remain unknown, underscoring the profound impact of the abuse within the family unit.

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Sarah M. Stone

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