Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Receive Prison Sentences of Up to 30 Years for Child Abuse

 Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt have received prison sentences after pleading guilty to child abuse charges. This legal action follows an incident where one of Franke's children escaped Hildebrandt's home seeking help from a neighbor in August. The prosecutor stated that each could face up to 30 years in prison, the maximum penalty allowed under Utah law.

According to CBS News affiliate KUTV, Franke has been sentenced to four consecutive prison terms, with each term ranging from one to 15 years. The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine the exact duration of her imprisonment, and Franke has the option to appeal the decision within 30 days.

Similarly, Hildebrandt received the same sentence of four consecutive prison terms, also with the possibility of each term lasting from one to 15 years. Like Franke, her prison time will be decided by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

Initially, both Franke and Hildebrandt faced six counts of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony, with each count carrying a potential penalty of one to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

During the sentencing hearing, state prosecutor Eric Clarke described the environment faced by Franke's children as akin to a "concentration camp-like setting" and condemned Franke for what he termed "horrible acts of child abuse." He also characterized Hildebrandt as a "significant threat" to the community.

Prior to their sentencing, both women addressed the court. Hildebrandt expressed willingness to accept an appropriate sentence determined by the state, while Franke admitted to causing harm to her children. She expressed her belief that the charges against her were justified, emphasizing the importance of safety for her family and accountability to the public.

Regarding the specifics of the abuse, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December. She confessed to torturing her children, including her 12-year-old son who escaped Hildebrandt's residence. Franke revealed disturbing details of her son being frequently bound, and her nine-year-old daughter being subjected to manual labor without proper hydration or footwear. Both children were reportedly convinced they were possessed, justifying their punishments.

As part of her plea deal, Franke agreed to a prison sentence and to testify against Hildebrandt. Similarly, Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse, acknowledging her involvement in or awareness of the abuse. The plea agreement also implicated her in coercing Franke's daughter into harmful actions.

The crimes were allegedly motivated by religious extremism, according to Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke, who stated that the defendants believed the abuse was necessary for religious reasons.

Before the criminal charges, Franke had faced criticism on YouTube for her harsh treatment of her children, including a particularly severe punishment where one child was banned from their bedroom for seven months. The "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, which she operated, ceased after seven years.

Additionally, Franke's husband, Kevin Franke, has filed for divorce. During court proceedings, he expressed his love for her and the sorrow over their marriage's end. Franke's family members also provided statements to the court, blaming Hildebrandt for her actions and expressing shock at her behavior.

Franke's sisters, who are also YouTubers, released videos addressing their sister's actions and expressing their lack of awareness regarding the extent of her behavior. Franke's parents described her as being deeply influenced and brainwashed by Hildebrandt, leading to estrangement from her family and friends.