On Feb. 20, 2024, Ruby Franke was sentenced to prison for at least four years due to child abuse. The famous YouTuber, whose channel is well-known for her parenting advice, apologized as the sentence was declared. The 42-year-old had previously pleaded guilty to starving and abusing her children (via BBC).
The ‘momfluencer’ appeared alongside her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. He, too, was served with an identical sentence. The judge sentenced the duo to serve four terms that can vary from one to 15 years. The terms will run back-to-back and can range from four to 60 years. As for how long each individual will serve in prison, it will be determined by the state’s parole board.
The Utah mom vlogger is a parent to six children, with her YouTube channel having gathered millions of views. Ruby Franke apologized for both physically and emotionally abusing her kids, claiming that Jodi Hildebrandt manipulated her.
However, she did clarify that she won’t argue for a shorter sentence. She was grateful to the authorities for saving her children from her when she was under the influence of her business partner (via Associated Press).
When was Ruby Franke first arrested and what led to it?
Ruby Franke was arrested in August 2023 in the southern Utah city of Ivins. Her 12-year-old son climbed out of a window at Jodi Hildebrandt’s home to ask for some food and water from a neighbor.
The little boy was malnourished, bound with duct tape, and had open wounds. The 12-year-old told investigators that Hildebrandt used ropes to tie him up. Moreover, the mental health counselor used cayenne pepper and honey to dress his wounds. Later, one of the YouTuber’s daughters was also found in a similar state in her business partner’s home (via The Guardian).
Prior to her arrest, some of Ruby Franke’s viewers had already reported her to the authorities for her severe parenting style. It goes back to 2015 when her son Chad stated that he had been sleeping on a bean bag for seven months.
