Ruby Franke's child abuse case unfolded rapidly in 2023, with her arrest and guilty plea for aggravated child abuse. Initially, Franke's YouTube channel, 8Passengers, showcased her family's daily life and parenting practices, amassing 2.5 million subscribers. However, her collaboration with Jodi Hildebrandt on ConneXions podcast led to controversial content, removal from YouTube, and subsequent arrests. Franke's husband filed for divorce, and her daughter broke her silence on the abuse. Ultimately, Franke and Hildebrandt received sentences ranging from 1 to 15 years each. As the complete timeline of this case reveals, it serves as a warning against child abuse and emphasizes the importance of public accountability. The story doesn't end here, as the consequences of their actions continue to unravel.
Key Takeaways
• Ruby Franke launched her YouTube channel "8Passengers" in 2015, gaining 2.5 million subscribers before facing controversy.
• Franke collaborated with Jodi Hildebrandt on the ConneXions podcast, which was removed from YouTube due to controversial content.
• Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested in 2023 on child abuse charges, pleaded guilty, and received sentences ranging from 1 to 15 years each.
• The arrests led to their removal from YouTube, emphasizing the platform's zero-tolerance policy against child abuse.
• Franke and Hildebrandt apologized, expressing deep regret, and the case increased awareness on child abuse, highlighting the importance of public accountability.
Ruby Franke's YouTube Beginnings
In 2015, Ruby Franke, alongside her husband Kevin, launched the 8Passengers YouTube channel, which would eventually amass a substantial following of around 2.5 million subscribers. The channel primarily focused on showcasing the Franke family's daily life, with Ruby sharing her parenting practices and experiences as a mother.
At the time, the channel became a popular platform for families and parents seeking advice and relatable content. The 8Passengers channel was successful, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the Franke family's daily life. Ruby's parenting practices, as showcased on the channel, were initially well-received by her audience.
However, concerns about her parenting style would later arise, sparking controversy and eventually leading to an online petition calling for child protective services to investigate. As the channel's popularity grew, so did scrutiny of Ruby's parenting practices, ultimately contributing to the channel's downfall.
Suspicious Followers Petition Authorities
Concerned followers of the 8Passengers channel took matters into their own hands, launching a petition in 2020 that called for child protective services to investigate Ruby Franke's parenting practices. This online petition was a direct response to the growing concerns raised by the channel's content, which depicted questionable parenting behaviors.
The petition's creation marked a significant turning point in the Ruby Franke child abuse case, as it prompted authorities to take action and investigate the allegations.
Here are three key points to summarize the situation:
- Concerns raised: Followers of the 8Passengers channel became suspicious of abuse, leading them to petition authorities in 2020.
- Online petition: An online petition called for child protective services to investigate concerning parenting practices shown in the videos.
- Authorities take action: The scrutiny from followers and others prompted authorities to take action and investigate the allegations.
The Rise of ConneXions and Moms
Ruby Franke's collaboration with Jodi Hildebrandt on the ConneXions podcast marked a significant milestone in her public presence, as the podcast focused on self-improvement and counseling advice.
However, the podcast's controversial content and advice sparked backlash, leading to its eventual removal from YouTube.
This development, along with the rise of the Moms of Truth social media page, added another layer of controversy to Franke's and Hildebrandt's public persona.
Early Beginnings Unfold
Franke and Hildebrandt launched the ConneXions podcast, a self-improvement and counseling platform that would eventually spark controversy. Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, a licensed mental health counselor, co-founded the podcast, aiming to provide guidance and support to their audience.
As the podcast gained traction, it attracted a significant following, particularly among mothers seeking advice on parenting and relationships. However, the podcast's content soon drew criticism for its controversial advice and perceived lack of expertise.
Here are three key facts about the early days of ConneXions:
- Rise to fame: ConneXions quickly gained popularity, attracting a large audience interested in self-improvement and counseling advice.
- Controversial content: The podcast's advice sparked backlash, with many criticizing Franke and Hildebrandt's unqualified opinions on sensitive topics.
- Disciplinary actions: Hildebrandt faced disciplinary actions and eventually surrendered her counseling license, further fueling the controversy surrounding ConneXions.
Moms' Online Presence
As ConneXions gained momentum, Franke and Hildebrandt leveraged their newfound influence to expand their online presence, creating the Moms of Truth social media page. This move marked a significant shift in their online strategy, as they sought to build a community of like-minded moms.
The Moms of Truth page became a hub for Franke and Hildebrandt to share their thoughts on self-improvement, counseling, and parenting. However, their online presence wasn't without controversy. The duo faced backlash on the Moms of Truth page for making controversial statements and offering questionable advice.
Their online presence sparked intense debates, with many critics accusing them of promoting harmful ideologies. The backlash ultimately led to YouTube taking down the ConneXions page due to viewer objections over the content and the nature of the advice provided.
Despite this setback, Franke and Hildebrandt's attempt to pivot to a new platform showcased their determination to maintain an online presence, even in the face of scrutiny.
ConneXions' Founding Years
In 2014, ConneXions was founded by Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, marking the beginning of their joint venture into the self-improvement industry. This online program aimed to provide guidance on various aspects of life, including relationships, parenting, and personal growth. The duo also launched the ConneXions podcast, where they shared their advice and insights on different topics.
ConneXions was closely associated with the Moms of Truth social media page, which focused on parenting and family dynamics. The platform gained a significant following, with many looking to Franke and Hildebrandt for guidance on raising their children.
Here are some key points about ConneXions' founding years:
- ConneXions was founded in 2014 by Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt.
- The platform focused on self-improvement, relationships, and parenting.
- The ConneXions podcast was a key component of the online program.
Franke and Hildebrandt's joint venture was met with both praise and criticism, as their advice and remarks on sensitive topics sparked controversy.
Ruby and Jodi's Arrest and Charges
Concerns about the welfare of Ruby Franke's children had been building for years, ultimately culminating in a dramatic 911 call on August 30, 2023, that led to the arrests of Franke and her partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, on child abuse charges.
The arrests marked a turning point in the long-standing concerns about the children's well-being. The charges against Franke and Hildebrandt included accusations of causing serious physical injuries and emotional harm to Franke's two children.
| Defendant | Charges | Plea |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby Franke | 4 counts of aggravated child abuse | Guilty |
| Jodi Hildebrandt | 4 counts of aggravated child abuse | Guilty |
| Ruby Franke | Child abuse charges | Guilty |
| Jodi Hildebrandt | Child abuse charges | Guilty |
Both Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to the charges, with Franke acknowledging her role in the mistreatment of her children. Hildebrandt also expressed remorse during the legal proceedings. The guilty pleas marked a significant step towards justice for the children, who had suffered at the hands of their caregivers.
Oldest Daughter Speaks Out Finally
Shari Franke, Ruby's oldest daughter, has finally broken her silence, sharing her courageous story of a life marred by secrecy and abuse.
After years of seeking justice, Shari has become a vital figure in supporting the legal actions against her mother and Jodi Hildebrandt.
Her testimony provides a haunting glimpse into the Franke family's dark dynamics, highlighting the importance of holding Ruby accountable for the abuse inflicted on her siblings.
Breaking the Silence
What finally prompted Shari to break her silence was the shocking realization that her own mother, Ruby, had been perpetuating a regime of terror and abuse against her siblings.
As the oldest daughter, Shari's courage to speak out marked a significant turning point in the case. Her actions came after Ruby and Jodi's arrests for child abuse, which led to a YouTube ban due to violations of creator responsibility guidelines. This drastic measure was a confirmation of the severity of the allegations.
Here are three key developments that unfolded in the aftermath:
- Arrests and YouTube ban: Ruby and Jodi's arrests led to their removal from YouTube, highlighting the platform's commitment to upholding community guidelines.
- Domestic relations injunction: Following the arrests, Ruby's husband, Kevin Franke, filed for divorce and a domestic relations injunction was put in place.
- Shari's support: Shari's three sisters stood in solidarity with her, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of the children involved.
Ruby's Courageous Story
Ruby's courageous story began to unfold as she broke free from the shackles of silence, finally revealing the dark secrets she'd endured for years. Her oldest daughter, Shari Franke, played a pivotal role in bringing attention to the child abuse Ruby's family had suffered. Shari's statements highlighted the devastating impact of the abuse on the children and the family dynamics. Along with Ruby's three sisters, Shari supported the arrests, prioritizing the safety of the children.
Ruby's brave decision to speak out finally brought relief to her family, particularly Shari, who'd sought justice for years. By sharing her story, Ruby Franke helped shed light on the horrors of child abuse, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those responsible. Shari's support for the legal proceedings underscored the significance of seeking justice and protecting the innocent.
As Ruby's story unfolded, it became clear that her courage would be instrumental in bringing about change and ensuring that those responsible for the abuse would face the consequences.
A Life of Secrecy
As the dark secrets of Ruby's family began to unravel, her oldest daughter, Shari, emerged as a powerful voice, determined to expose the truth behind the years of silence and deception. Shari, along with Ruby's three sisters, supported the arrests, emphasizing the children's safety as the top priority. This marked a significant shift in the narrative, as Ruby's family members began to speak out against the abuse and manipulation they'd endured.
In the aftermath of the arrests, Ruby's world began to crumble. Her YouTube channels were banned and deleted due to violations of creator responsibility guidelines, and her husband, Kevin Franke, filed for divorce from her in late November, with a domestic relations injunction prohibiting harassment or disparagement between them.
Key Takeaways:
- Shari Franke, Ruby's oldest daughter, spoke out about the abuse, seeking justice for years of silence and deception.
- Ruby's family members, including her sisters, supported the arrests, prioritizing the children's safety.
- Ruby's world began to unravel, with her YouTube channels being banned and her husband filing for divorce.
Neighbor Describes Red Flags
One concerned neighbor, in particular, took notice of disturbing signs at Ruby Franke's home, which ultimately prompted them to report their observations to the authorities. This neighbor observed concerning red flags, including children being left unattended and signs of potential neglect or abuse. These red flags weren't insignificant, and the neighbor's instincts told them that something was amiss.
Their reports contributed to the police responding to Franke's home, where they discovered the shocking reality of child abuse. The concerned neighbors played a vital role in alerting authorities to the troubling situation, and their actions were instrumental in bringing the abuse to light.
Observations of neglect and unusual behavior prompted the neighbors to take action, ensuring the children's safety was prioritized. By speaking out, these neighbors demonstrated their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of their community. Their bravery and vigilance ultimately helped bring an end to the abuse, and their role in the timeline of events can't be overstated.
YouTube Bans Ruby and Deletes Channels
YouTube terminated Ruby Franke's channels and banned her from the platform, citing violations of its creator responsibility guidelines, following her arrest on six felony child abuse charges. This move marked a significant blow to Franke's online presence, as her channels were a significant source of content and influence.
The ban came after Franke's arrest, highlighting YouTube's commitment to upholding its community guidelines and protecting its users from harmful or offensive content.
The deletion of Franke's channels sent a strong message that YouTube takes allegations of child abuse seriously and won't tolerate creators who violate its guidelines.
The removal of Franke's channels has significant implications for her online presence and content availability, as she can no longer upload or share content on the platform.
YouTube's ban and deletion of Franke's channels demonstrate the platform's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for its users.
Jodi's Niece Alleges Prior Abuse
Jodi Hildebrandt's niece, Jessi Hildebrandt, shocked many by coming forward with allegations of prior abuse at the hands of her aunt. Jessi shared details of the abuse she experienced under Jodi Hildebrandt's care, which raised concerns about Jodi's behavior and treatment of children. The allegations of prior abuse added to the growing evidence and scrutiny surrounding Jodi Hildebrandt's conduct and treatment of children.
| Allegation | Description |
|---|---|
| Prior Abuse | Jessi alleges she was abused by Jodi Hildebrandt |
| Pattern of Abuse | Concerns raised about Jodi's behavior and treatment of children |
| Investigation | Additional insight into potential patterns of abusive behavior by Jodi Hildebrandt |
Jessi's testimony provided additional insight into the potential patterns of abusive behavior by Jodi Hildebrandt. The allegations of prior abuse raised questions about Jodi's fitness to care for children, and whether she had a history of abusive behavior. As the investigation continued, Jessi's allegations added to the growing evidence and scrutiny surrounding Jodi Hildebrandt's conduct and treatment of children.
Ruby Pleads Guilty and Sentenced
Ruby Franke's guilty plea to four counts of aggravated child abuse marked a pivotal moment in the case, as she acknowledged her role in the heinous crimes. This admission of guilt led to a sentencing that would reflect the severity of her actions. The judge, John J. Walton, emphasized the gravity of the abuse during the proceedings, ensuring that Franke's punishment fit the crimes.
Here are three key takeaways from Ruby Franke's sentencing:
- Consecutive prison sentences: Franke received four prison sentences of 1 to 15 years each, to run consecutively but not exceeding 30 years.
- Regret and sorrow: Franke expressed deep regret and sorrow for her actions during the court proceedings, acknowledging the harm caused to the children.
- Severity of the crimes: The judge's emphasis on the severity of the crimes underscored the importance of holding Franke accountable for her role in the abuse.
The sentencing marked a significant moment in the case, highlighting the gravity of the abuse and the consequences for those involved.
Prison Sentences for Child Abuse
Concurrent prison sentences for Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt served as a stark reminder of the severe consequences for their roles in the child abuse case. The sentencing, handed down by Judge John J. Walton in February 2024, emphasized the gravity of their crimes.
Franke, who pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, expressed deep regret for her actions. Hildebrandt, who received the same prison sentence, apologized during the sentencing and expressed love for the children.
The prison sentences, ranging from 1 to 15 years each, didn't exceed 30 years in total, highlighting the severity of their offenses. The sentencing marked a significant legal outcome in the child abuse case, underscoring the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The prison sentences served as a stark warning to those who'd engage in child abuse, emphasizing that such behavior won't be tolerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Ruby and Kevin Divorce?
Ruby and Kevin Franke divorced following her arrest on child abuse charges. The divorce was accompanied by a domestic relations injunction, prohibiting harassment or disparagement between the couple.
This decision came after years of concerns and scrutiny regarding Ruby's parenting practices, which were allegedly influenced by Jodi Hildebrandt, impacting Ruby's sense of morality, according to her attorneys.
The divorce marked a significant legal and personal consequence of the child abuse case.
Where Is Ruby Frankes' House?
Ruby Franke's house, where the child abuse incidents occurred, is located in St. George, Utah.
This house was the scene of severe child abuse, leading to Franke and Hildebrandt's arrests in August 2023.
Authorities responded to a 911 call reporting severe conditions at the residence, where they found Franke's emaciated son and malnourished daughter, leading to their custody by child protective services.
Conclusion
As the curtain falls on the Ruby Franke child abuse case,
the once-rose-tinted facade of her YouTube empire lies shattered,
like a broken mirror reflecting the dark truth.
The tangled web of deception, manipulation, and abuse
has finally been exposed,
leaving a trail of broken lives and shattered trust in its wake.
Blaze (Investigative Reporter): Blaze specializes in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories. With a knack for digging deeper into celebrity scandals and legal issues, Blaze’s reporting adds a layer of intensity and excitement to the content, often bringing exclusive insights that are highly valued by the readership.
