PROVO, Utah – Former family vlogger, Ruby Franke, was sentenced to four one-to-15 year terms in prison by a Utah district court, ending a prolonged child abuse case involving the mother of six. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine the length of Franke’s incarceration.
During the sentencing hearing, Franke expressed regret and tearfully apologized to her children, acknowledging her distorted sense of reality and the harm she had caused. She also addressed Judge John Walton and the courtroom, recognizing the misguided guidance she had followed for the past four years.
Franke’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, is also awaiting sentencing. Both had pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse in December, months after being charged with six counts of felony child abuse.
Arrested in August 2023, Franke and Hildebrandt were taken into custody after police discovered one of Franke’s sons emaciated with open wounds and bound with duct tape at Hildebrandt’s home. One of Franke’s daughters was found in a similarly malnourished condition in the same location.
While not A-list celebrities, Franke, her husband, and their six children had gained fame with their YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, amassing 2.3 million subscribers. Franke faced criticism for her strict parenting style and controversial videos, which prompted some viewers to report her to authorities.
Hildebrandt also faced scrutiny over her life coaching service, ConneXions, which some former clients described as isolating and destructive to relationships.
Franke is currently being held without bail and is pursuing personal growth and rehabilitation by apologizing to and attempting to reconcile with members of her family.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Franke’s husband filed for divorce in November, after being separated from her at her directive for 13 months. Franke’s lawyers stated that she was devastated by the news but understood and respected her husband’s decision.
The sentencing has brought renewed attention to the dark underside of family vlogging channels, sparking a public spectacle and raising important questions about the impact of social media on family life.