FOLLOW US

The once-popular family vlogger Ruby Franke, 41, appeared in court on Monday. She pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. Her former parenting advice podcast partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, is also facing aggravated child abuse charges.

Franke who once shared her Utah family's life with millions of online viewers on her “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, will serve time in prison.

In a court appearance before 5th District Judge John J. Walton, the mother of 6 admitted guilt, and the judge made it clear that there would be no dispute regarding her impending prison sentence.

Franke said, “With my deepest regret, and sorrow for my family and my children — guilty,” when she entered her guilty plea on the final count.

Sentencing is scheduled for late February.

HereAfter AI: Chatbots Communicate with Departed Loved Ones - USA Herald

Wonka Delights Audiences with a $39 Million Opening Weekend - USA Herald

Apple Watch Ban: US Landmark Ruling Over Technology Theft - USA Herald

Blue Origin Faces Setbacks on New Shepard Mission - USA Herald

Family Vlogger Disgraced

Both Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested in late August and initially faced six counts of aggravated child abuse each.

 The arrest came after a neighbor called 911, reporting Franke's youngest son appeared on their doorstep asking for help.  12-year-old son had duct tape around his ankles, appearing "emaciated" and "abnormally thin and weak. He was begging for food.

More details of the abuse surfaced in September when officers from the Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department obtained search warrants.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported the shocking abuse within the Franke family.

According to prosecutors, Franke forced her youngest son's head underwater and smothered him with her hands, restricting his oxygen. 

She also admitted subjecting her youngest daughter, aged 10, to punishment by making her run barefoot on dirt roads and withholding food and water. Franke reportedly berated her youngest daughter, branding her as "evil" and "possessed."

The boy also had apparent wounds from ropes around his wrists and ankles, with claims that cayenne pepper and honey were used to treat the injuries.

The two oldest children were routinely handcuffed, beaten, denied food and water, and told that they were possessed.

The Role of Jodi Hildebrandt

LaMar Winward, Franke’s attorney said his client was influenced by Hildebrandt. He added that Hildebrandt “systematically isolated” Franke from her extended family, her older children, and her husband.

Amid the legal drama, Franke's husband, Kevin Franke, filed for divorce in November. This came months after Jodi Hildebrandt ordered him to leave the couple’s home. And she reportedly moved in.

Franke joined Hildebrandt’s podcast “ConneXions.” It was aimed at providing parenting advice with Mormon therapist, Hildebrandt.

As part of her plea, Franke agreed to testify against her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt.

Family is Torn Apart 

The Franke family's YouTube channel, "8Passengers," where Kevin had collaborated with Ruby, gained notoriety for sharing controversial parenting advice through their religious Connexions podcast.

Reports suggest a significant change in the Franke family's demeanor over the past year, with neighbors witnessing a sudden withdrawal of her two youngest children from public view. One neighbor noted that Ruby Franke had begun isolating her children.

Attorneys representing Franke claimed that Jodi Hildebrandt had manipulated and isolated Ruby from her extended family, older children, and husband, shaping her moral compass.

Franke's arrest had strained relationships within her family, with her oldest daughter celebrating the moment on social media. Franke's sisters distanced themselves from her, expressing that the arrest "needed to happen."