YouTube Vlogger Ruby Franke Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Child Abuse
Utah-based YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to aggravated child abuse of her two children. The sentence, which includes four consecutive terms of one to 15 years, was handed down on Tuesday by the Washington County 5th District Court. Franke’s former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, who also pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse, received the same sentence.
Franke and Hildebrandt admitted to inflicting serious physical injuries upon Franke’s children between May and August 2023. The abuse came to light when Franke’s 12-year-old son, who had been staying at Hildebrandt’s house, escaped and sought help from a neighbor. The plea agreement revealed shocking details of the abuse, including physical torture, denial of basic necessities like water and food, and being bound with handcuffs and ropes.
In court, Franke tearfully read a statement expressing her remorse and taking full accountability for her actions. She revealed that she had been led into a dark delusion and isolated herself from anyone who challenged her distorted version of reality. Franke claimed that she had been convinced the world was an evil place and that her children needed abuse to repent. She emphasized her willingness to serve a prison sentence as a demonstration of her regret.
Hildebrandt, in her statement to the court, professed her love for the children and expressed a desire for their emotional healing. She chose not to go to trial to spare the children from reliving their traumatic experiences. However, prosecutor Eric Clarke expressed concerns about Hildebrandt’s lack of remorse, citing statements she made in jail calls that indicated she did not believe she was guilty of child abuse.
The case has shed light on religious extremism, with Clarke describing it as a “rabbit hole” that Franke and Hildebrandt went down. He believes that Hildebrandt, if released, poses a significant risk of gathering followers and convincing them to engage in similar abusive behavior. The prosecutor hopes she will receive a longer sentence than Franke.
Franke’s attorneys issued a statement shortly after the sentencing, stating that Franke wanted to take responsibility for her actions and acknowledged that pleading guilty was a step in the right direction. They emphasized her commitment to change during her time in prison.
This case of aggravated child abuse has been described as one of the worst seen by the Washington County Attorney’s Office. The shocking details of the abuse inflicted upon Franke’s children have raised concerns about the influence of religious extremism and the potential dangers posed by individuals like Hildebrandt, who may gather followers and perpetuate similar acts of abuse. As Franke begins her prison sentence, it is hoped that she can reflect on her actions and work towards genuine remorse and transformation.
