Former YouTube Vlogger Ruby Franke Sentenced to Up to 60 Years in Prison on Child Abuse Charges
Ruby Franke, a former YouTube vlogger known for giving parenting advice to millions of viewers, was overcome with emotion as she faced a Utah judge on Tuesday. The judge sentenced Franke to up to 60 years in prison on child abuse charges. Franke, a mother-of-six, had pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse back in December, leading to her sentencing.
Franke’s former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, received the same sentence. Both women will serve their sentences consecutively, as outlined in their plea agreements. According to Utah law, they face four to 60 years in prison, with the final decision to be made by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole at a later date.
Before the judge delivered the sentence, Franke tearfully addressed the court and expressed her remorse for physically and emotionally abusing her children. She apologized to her children, who were not present at the hearing, saying, “I’ll never stop crying for hurting your tender souls. My willingness to sacrifice all for you was masterfully manipulated into something very ugly. I took from you all that was soft and safe and good.”
Franke also acknowledged that she would not argue for a shorter sentence. She expressed gratitude towards local police officers, doctors, and social workers who she referred to as “angels” for saving her children from her actions, which she claims were influenced by Hildebrandt. “I was led to believe the world was an evil place,” Franke stated. “For the past four years, I have chosen to follow counsel and guidance that have led me to a dark delusion.”
Both Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. They subjected Franke’s two youngest children to physical and emotional abuse, attempting to convince them that they were evil and needed punishment to repent. Franke’s YouTube channel, where she documented her family’s life and shared parental advice, had amassed over two million subscribers before being deleted in 2020 following concerns about her parenting style.
Viewers often expressed worry about Franke’s harsh disciplinary measures, such as withholding food and Christmas presents. However, it wasn’t until August 2023 that Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested for the abuse. The allegations came to light when one of Franke’s sons managed to escape Hildebrandt’s home and seek help from a neighbor who called 911. The 12-year-old boy was found malnourished, with multiple wounds and bound with duct tape. Another child in the home was also discovered to be suffering from abuse.
According to arrest warrants, the children revealed that Hildebrandt would apply cayenne pepper and honey to their wounds caused by being tied up with rope. The shocking incident was captured on police bodycam footage when neighbors first learned about the alleged abuse, further highlighting the severity of the situation.
Hildebrandt’s sentencing followed shortly after Franke’s. The prosecution described Hildebrandt as a “risk to the community” who showed no remorse for her actions. However, Hildebrandt briefly spoke during the hearing, expressing her love for the children and her desire for their physical and emotional healing. Her attorney, Douglas Terry, emphasized that Hildebrandt is not the person she has been portrayed to be.
Judge Walton directly addressed Hildebrandt before delivering the sentence, stating, “This circumstance is largely of your making. Your conduct was disastrous for these children. In this case, you terrorized children.” The judge’s words reflected the gravity of the situation and the impact of Hildebrandt’s actions on the vulnerable victims.
In December, both Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. Their sentences serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting children and the consequences of abusive behavior. The case also sheds light on the potential dangers of online platforms and the responsibility that influencers hold when it comes to their influence over their audience.
As Franke begins her sentence and Hildebrandt faces the consequences of her actions, the hope is that the children affected by this abuse can find healing and support. The court’s decision serves as a stern reminder that no one is above the law, regardless of their online presence or perceived influence.
