CRIME
How many years in prison did Ruby Franke get for torturing her children?
She built up a business and following with her parental advice YouTube channel, but the horrifying truth at home was hidden from sight.
Formerly popular YouTuber Ruby Franke has been handed down a lengthy prison sentence following a harrowing case of aggravated abuse against her own children. Franke faces four consecutive prison terms, varying between one to 15 years each, which means an absolute minimum of four years but could be as long as 60 years. The decision lies with the Board of Pardons and Parole of Utah, affording Franke, a mother of six who previously shared parenting advice on her YouTube channel, a 30-day window to appeal the verdict.
Franke: YouTube fame to prison cell infamy
Notably, Franke’s business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, has also been sentenced to the same prison term. Both Franke and Hildebrandt, known for their parenting advice shared through the now-defunct channel ‘8 Passengers’, came under scrutiny last August when one of their children, reportedly malnourished, sought help from neighbors, leading to their arrest.
During investigations, authorities uncovered another shocking revelation—a 10-year-old daughter of Franke was found malnourished at Hildebrandt’s residence. Both women pleaded guilty, leading to their sentencing this Tuesday.
What did Franke do to her children?
In court, Utah prosecutor Eric Clarke painted a grim picture, describing the environment in which Franke’s children lived as akin to “a concentration camp”, highlighting a significant threat to the community. Clarke detailed instances where the children were deprived of basic necessities such as food, water, and proper bedding, and virtually all forms of entertainment.
Further adding to the horror, the BBC reports revealed the extent of abuse endured by Franke’s children, including instances of being tied up, physically assaulted, and forced to work outdoors without sunscreen during scorching summers, resulting in severe sunburns.