IVINS, Utah – Ruby Franke, a well-known parenting YouTuber, and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt have each been sentenced to potentially serve up to 30 years in prison. This sentencing comes after the pair pleaded guilty to child abuse charges stemming from Franke’s child escaping Hildebrandt’s house. The Utah prosecutor stated that this is the most severe penalty available under Utah law.
Franke’s sentencing includes four consecutive prison terms, with the possibility of each term ranging from one to 15 years. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine the final prison time, and Franke has 30 days to appeal the decision. Similarly, Hildebrandt received the same sentence of four consecutive prison terms, and her prison time will also be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
Franke, who previously ran a parenting advice YouTube channel called “8 Passengers,” and Hildebrandt, who operated a counseling business called ConneXions Classroom, were initially charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse, each carrying a potential penalty of one to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
During the sentencing recommendation, state prosecutor Eric Clarke described the environment faced by Franke’s children as a “concentration camp-like setting” and accused Franke of committing “horrible acts of child abuse.” Hildebrandt was referred to as a “significant threat” to the community.
Both women addressed the court prior to their sentencings. Hildebrandt indicated that she would comply with the state’s recommended serving time, while Franke admitted to inflicting injuries on her children. Franke also thanked public safety officials for rescuing her children and referred to them as “angels.”
In December, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse and confessed to torturing her children as part of her plea agreement. The abuse included subjecting her son to restraints and compelling her daughter to do manual labor without shoes or water. Hildebrandt had tied up Franke’s son and used home remedies to treat his wounds, according to court documents reviewed by media sources.
As a result of her plea deal, Franke agreed to serve a prison term and testify against Hildebrandt, who also pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse. The crimes, motivated by their religious faith, were described by the Washington County Attorney as a case of religious extremism.
Additionally, the article revealed that divorce proceedings had been initiated by Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, and included statements from Franke’s family expressing their perspectives and blaming Hildebrandt for her actions.
This tragic story of child abuse and its aftermath sheds light on the potential dangers of online personas and their real-world impacts on families and communities. The sentencing of Franke and Hildebrandt serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with having a public platform and the impact it can have on individuals’ lives.