Utah mom pleads guilty in child abuse case
Ruby Franke, a Utah mother of six who was once known for giving parenting advice on the YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” pleaded guilty Monday to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. The abuse included starving two of her children.
Franke originally faced six counts of child abuse, but two counts were dropped as part of her plea agreement, according to KUTV.
“Ruby Franke is a devoted mother and is also a woman committed to constant improvement,” her attorney said in a statement, acknowledging the guilty plea. Franke believes that relationship counselor Jodi Hildebrandt led her to a “distorted sense of morality,” the attorney said.
According to a 911 call obtained by the St. George Police Department, Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s house and reported the abuse to a neighbor. The boy was emaciated and had duct tape around his ankles and wrists. Another child, Franke’s 10-year-old daughter, was also found at the house.
Both children were taken to the hospital and Franke’s four youngest children were taken into state custody. Franke and Hildebrandt were charged with six felony counts of aggravated child abuse and have been jailed since their arrests. Franke’s attorney stated that during her incarceration, she has engaged in introspection, taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration.
Hildebrandt has agreed not to see patients until the allegations are addressed by state licensing officials. Her next court hearing is set for December 27.
The Franke family had been criticized online for their “8 Passengers” video blog, in which they made controversial parenting decisions. The YouTube channel started in 2015 and ended after seven years.
In September, Franke’s sisters released videos detailing her separation from the family and their efforts to connect with her children. Julie Griffiths Deru and Bonnie Hoellein said in videos on their own YouTube channels that they were not aware of their sister’s actions.