Former YouTuber Ruby Franke Sentenced for Child Abuse!

In a shocking case that unfolded in late 2023, former family vlogger Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were sentenced to prison terms for the abuse of two of Franke’s children.

Franke, who had built a following on YouTube with videos depicting her family life, initially portrayed a picture-perfect image. However, the facade crumbled in August 2023 when one of Franke’s children, a 12-year-old boy, managed to escape from Hildebrandt’s house and sought help from a neighbor. The boy revealed horrific details of abuse, including being bound and deprived of basic necessities.

Authorities launched an investigation and subsequently charged both Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt with multiple counts of child abuse. During the legal proceedings, graphic details emerged, including allegations that Franke’s children were subjected to physical restraints, forced labor, and psychological manipulation. The children were reportedly told they were possessed by demons and that the abuse was meant to help them.

Both Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt initially denied any wrongdoing. However, in December 2023, they reached a plea deal and admitted guilt to four counts of aggravated child abuse. The remaining charges were dropped.

On Tuesday, both Franke and Hildebrandt were sentenced in Washington County 5th District Court. Each received four consecutive terms of one to fifteen years in prison. The exact length of their sentences will be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

This case has sent shockwaves through the online community, raising questions about the responsibility of social media influencers and the potential dangers lurking behind curated online personas. It also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child protection measures and the need for vigilance in identifying and reporting abuse.

The children involved in the case are now receiving care and support. Their well-being remains a top priority for child protective services. Franke’s channel, “Eight Passengers,” once boasted millions of followers. However, concerns arose from viewers who noticed unusual parenting practices, including food deprivation used as punishment. Despite these red flags, a 2020 investigation by child protective services found “Unsupported Claims.”

The truth came to light in a dramatic escape. Franke’s 12-year-old son, emaciated and traumatized, fled Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor. His harrowing account revealed a horrific ordeal. The children were reportedly subjected to physical restraints, like being bound with ropes and weights. They were forced to work long hours in the summer heat and denied basic necessities like food and water.

The most disturbing aspect was the psychological manipulation. Franke and Hildebrandt, who claimed to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (though the church condemned their actions), convinced the children they were demonically possessed. The abuse, they claimed, was a form of “Tough Love” to expel the demons.

Initially, both women pleaded not guilty. However, in December 2023, they reached a plea deal, admitting guilt to four counts of aggravated child abuse. This lesser charge involved convincing the children they were demons and inflicting unnecessary suffering. The remaining charges, which could have carried harsher sentences, were dropped.

On February 20, 2024, both Franke and Hildebrandt received identical sentences: four terms of one to fifteen years in prison, to be served consecutively. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine the exact duration within this range.

This chilling case highlights the dangers of online portrayals and the importance of vigilance. It also raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms to identify potential abuse situations. Thankfully, the children involved are now receiving care and support, and hopefully, they will find a path toward healing.