The former influencer is sentenced to between four and 60 years in prison for abusing her children.
Ruby Franke: The Fall of a YouTube Influencer
Introduction
Ruby Franke, once celebrated as a parenting advice YouTuber, faced a dramatic downfall when her actions came under scrutiny. From her rise as a prominent content creator to the harrowing child abuse case that unfolded, let’s delve into the life and controversies of Ruby Franke.
Early Years and YouTube Stardom
Ruby Franke, born in 1981, gained fame through the YouTube channel “8Passengers,” which she co-founded with her then-husband, Kevin Franke, in 2015. Their channel featured home vlogs showcasing their daily life with their six children in their Utah family home1. Ruby’s parenting advice resonated with viewers, and she became a trusted voice in the online parenting community.
The Unraveling of a Family
The case against Ruby Franke began in August 2023 when police discovered one of her sons emaciated, with open wounds and bound with duct tape. The child had escaped to a neighbor’s house from the home of Franke’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Shockingly, one of Franke’s daughters was also found in a similar malnourished condition in Hildebrandt’s home2.
The Charges and Guilty Pleas
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt faced serious charges. In December, both women pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. These charges followed months of legal proceedings and intense scrutiny. Franke agreed to testify against Hildebrandt in exchange for the county attorney’s neutrality in future hearings with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole2.
Sentencing and Tearful Apologies
In a Utah district court, Ruby Franke received a maximum sentence of four one-to-15 year terms in prison. Her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, received the same sentence. Both women would serve their sentences consecutively, with a maximum aggregate sentence of 30 years according to Utah law. During the sentencing, Franke tearfully apologized to her children, acknowledging her distorted version of reality and the harm she caused. She expressed deep remorse for taking away their safety and innocence2.
Hildebrandt’s Statement and Lack of Remorse
Jodi Hildebrandt, too, addressed the court. She emphasized her desire for the children to heal physically and emotionally. However, the county attorney noted that Hildebrandt showed “little to no remorse” and repeatedly portrayed herself as the victim while labeling the children as perpetrators2.
Legacy and Reflection
Ruby Franke’s fall from grace serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with online influence. Her once-helpful parenting advice turned into a tragic tale of abuse. As Franke and Hildebrandt begin their prison sentences, the impact on their children remains a haunting legacy of their actions.
