Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, who previously pleaded guilty to child abuse charges originating from one of Franke's children seeking help after escaping Hildebrandt's residence in August, have now been handed prison sentences.
Each of them faces a potential maximum of 30 years in prison, the most severe penalty according to Utah law, as stated by the prosecutor after the hearing.
Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt Convicted in Child Abuse Case
Both Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December in Washington County 5th District Court in Utah.
Franke emotionally acknowledged her distorted reality and expressed remorse for her choices before the sentencing.
Hildebrandt, identified as Franke's son's counselor, echoed her love for the children and opted for a guilty plea to spare them from emotional trauma during a trial.
The charges stemmed from Franke's 12-year-old son escaping Hildebrandt's house, disclosing the abuse to a neighbor.
The plea agreement detailed severe physical torture, forced labor without adequate provisions, and emotional manipulation inflicted on the child.
Franke's son was subjected to prolonged physical restraints, resulting in injuries treated with unconventional remedies.
Child Abuse Case
Prosecutor Eric Clarke emphasized the case's religious extremism aspect, with Hildebrandt believed to have communicated regularly with God, influencing Franke.
Clarke expressed concerns about Hildebrandt's potential to gather followers if released and highlighted the gravity of the child abuse, considering it one of the worst cases the office has encountered.
Franke's attorneys acknowledged her acceptance of responsibility, while Hildebrandt's attorney emphasized her sincere commitment to the plea agreement.
Franke's lawyer expressed satisfaction with the judge's decision and stated Franke's commitment to personal change during her prison term.
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Each of them faces a potential maximum of 30 years in prison, the most severe penalty according to Utah law, as stated by the prosecutor after the hearing.
Franke received four consecutive prison terms, each ranging from one to 15 years, with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole to determine the actual prison time.
Franke has a 30-day window to appeal the decision. Hildebrandt received an identical sentence of four consecutive terms, and like Franke, her prison duration will be decided by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
Franke, known for her parenting advice on the now-closed "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, and Hildebrandt, operating ConneXions Classroom, were initially charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse, each carrying a potential penalty of one to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
During the sentencing recommendation, state prosecutor Eric Clarke likened the environment faced by Franke's children to a "concentration camp-like setting," labeling Franke's actions as "horrible acts of child abuse."
Clarke expressed concern about Hildebrandt, describing her as a "significant threat" to the community.
Both women addressed the court before sentencing, with Hildebrandt expressing willingness to serve an appropriate term, and Franke admitting to inflicting injuries on her children while attributing her actions to distorted beliefs instilled by Hildebrandt.
Franke acknowledged the charges as just and emphasized the safety they offer her family.
The charges stem from Franke's guilty plea in December to four counts of child abuse, outlining disturbing details of torture inflicted on her children.
The plea agreement revealed instances of physical restraint, forced labor, and emotional manipulation. Hildebrandt, who pleaded guilty shortly after Franke, was implicated in either committing or being aware of the abuse, including coercing Franke's daughter to jump into a cactus multiple times.
Franke's family has undergone significant changes, with her husband filing for divorce and her siblings and parents blaming Hildebrandt for influencing her actions.
Franke's family members described her as brainwashed and delusional due to Hildebrandt's influence.
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