Ruby Franke, a former family vlogger best known for her YouTube channel "8 Passengers," entered a guilty plea to 4 counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse, in an unexpected development to the case. After expressing sincere regret for her actions, the once-popular parenting expert showed up in court dressed like a prisoner.
The arrest, which occurred in late August, unfolded when one of Franke's children ran away from their home to the neighbours to ask for some water and food, as per USA Today. When the child was found, after Franke had called the police, the child revealed signs of severe malnourishment and open wounds. This led authorities to discover another child in a similar condition. Franke's friend and business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, also faced charges, with her court appearance scheduled for December 27.
What does the plea agreement say?
Franke's plea agreement, accepted by Judge John J. Walton, puts her fate in the hands of the court, leaving room for potential jail time. The incident has sent shockwaves through the parenting community, as Franke, a devout mother of six and a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, now faces the consequences of her alleged abusive actions, as reported by AP.
The plea agreement also shed light on the disturbing details of the abuse, involving Franke's son enduring physical tasks, outdoor labor without water, serious sunburns, and various forms of mistreatment. The court documents revealed that Franke was aware of the children's condition, as evidence suggested she had been filming in the home just days before the arrest.
Franke's defense, represented by the Utah-based firm Winward Law, released a statement placing blame on Hildebrandt, accusing her of isolating Franke from her family and influencing her moral compass. Hildebrandt, a former clinical mental health counselor, has yet to respond publicly.
Who is Ruby Franke and her YouTube channel?
The once-beloved '8 Passengers' YouTube channel, documenting the lives of Ruby and Kevin Franke and their six children, faced widespread criticism for its extreme parenting style. Franke's co-founding of the controversial parenting group "ConneXions" only added fuel to the fire, with accusations of promoting a cult-like atmosphere and making inflammatory comments.
Franke's fall from grace has prompted discussions about the impact of family vlogging channels on children's well-being, leading to legislative actions in some states to protect minors on social media platforms.
As the sentencing date looms for Ruby Franke, the parenting community grapples with the dark reality behind the once-popular YouTube figure. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when public figures fail to uphold the standards they advocate for in their content.
