Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt have been sentenced to prison for child abuse charges. The sentencing comes after Franke’s child escaped from Hildebrandt’s house in August and sought help from a neighbor. Franke and Hildebrandt 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 court proceedings, state prosecutor Eric Clarke described the environment Franke’s children faced as a “concentration camp-like setting” and accused Franke of committing “horrible acts of child abuse.” Clarke also referred to Hildebrandt as a “significant threat” to the community.
Both Franke and Hildebrandt addressed the court before their sentencing. Hildebrandt expressed her willingness to serve an appropriate amount of time as determined by the state, while Franke admitted to inflicting injuries on her children. Franke mentioned that she had believed the world to be an evil place and had paid Hildebrandt to be her mentor, but emphasized that Hildebrandt was not her business responsibility. She expressed gratitude towards the public safety officials who rescued her children, calling them “angels.”
The plea agreement revealed that Franke had admitted to torturing her children, including her 12-year-old son who escaped Hildebrandt’s home. The agreement detailed instances of binding, manual labor without shoes or water, and psychological torment where the children were made to believe they were possessed. Franke’s son disclosed that Hildebrandt tied him up and used home remedies for his wounds caused by the restraints.
As part of their plea deals, both Franke and Hildebrandt agreed to serve prison terms, with their sentences running consecutively. Hildebrandt’s plea agreement stated that she either tortured the children or was aware of the abuse, including forcing Franke’s daughter to jump into a cactus multiple times.
Prior to the criminal charges, Franke faced criticism on YouTube for her harsh punishments towards her children. The couple’s YouTube channel, “8 Passengers,” which began in 2015, ended after seven years. Meanwhile, Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, has filed for divorce. He appeared in court alongside their two eldest children and expressed his apology to his former wife, calling the end of their marriage a tragedy.
Franke’s parents and brother submitted statements to the court, blaming Hildebrandt’s influence for Franke’s actions. They described Franke as being brainwashed and taken advantage of. Franke’s sisters, who are also YouTubers, stated that they were not aware of her actions and detailed their separation from Franke.
The sentencing of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt marks the end of a tragic chapter in their lives. The severity of their actions and the impact on Franke’s children have prompted a legal response to ensure accountability. As the legal process unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our society.
