Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and Business Partner Jodi Hildebrandt Sentenced in Disturbing Child Abuse Case
Subtitle: Franke’s Children Rescued from “Concentration Camp-Like Setting”
In a shocking turn of events, Ruby Franke, a popular parenting YouTuber known for her now-defunct channel “8 Passengers,” and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, have been sentenced to a minimum of four consecutive years in prison. The sentencing follows their guilty pleas to charges related to child abuse, which were unveiled when one of Franke’s children escaped Hildebrandt’s home in August, seeking help from a neighbor.
According to reports from CBS News affiliate KUTV, Franke’s sentence could range from one to 15 years for each term, with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole responsible for determining the final prison time. Franke has a 30-day window to appeal the decision. Hildebrandt faces an identical sentence, with her fate also in the hands of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
Initially charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse, both Franke and Hildebrandt, who ran a counseling business called ConneXions Classroom, were confronted with potential penalties of one to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 for each count.
During the sentencing recommendation, state prosecutor Eric Clarke likened the environment Franke’s children endured to a “concentration camp-like setting,” accusing Franke of committing “horrible acts of child abuse.” Hildebrandt was described as a “significant threat” to the community.
Both women addressed the court before their sentencing, with Hildebrandt expressing willingness to accept an appropriate amount of time served, while Franke acknowledged the inflicted injuries on her children. Franke thanked public safety officials, referring to them as “angels.”
It’s judgement day for former “momfluencer” Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, who are both set to be sentenced on child abuse charges. @KaynaWhitworth has more. pic.twitter.com/b9AcFGSSP4
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 20, 2024
Details of the Child Abuse Case
In December, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse, admitting to torturing her children, including her 12-year-old son who escaped Hildebrandt’s residence. The plea agreement contained graphic details of abuse, revealing that Franke’s son was frequently bound, and her nine-year-old daughter was subjected to outdoor manual labor without water or shoes. Both children were convinced they were possessed, justifying their punishment.
Hildebrandt, who pleaded guilty days after Franke, faced similar charges. The plea agreement outlined her participation in the abuse, including coercing Franke’s daughter to “jump into a cactus multiple times.”
Family Fallout and Legal Ramifications
Even before the criminal charges, Franke faced criticism on YouTube for her harsh parenting methods. The “8 Passengers” channel, active for seven years, ended abruptly. Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, filed for divorce, emphasizing his commitment to keeping the children together.
In court, Kevin Franke apologized to his estranged wife, calling the end of their marriage a tragedy. Franke’s parents and brother submitted statements blaming Hildebrandt for influencing Franke’s actions, describing her as brainwashed and manipulated. Franke’s sisters, fellow YouTubers Julie Griffiths Deru and Bonnie Hoellein, expressed shock at Franke’s actions and separation from the family.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the grim details of the child abuse case continue to unravel, leaving a trail of broken relationships and shattered trust in its wake.