Former YouTuber Ruby Franke, known for her parenting advice videos, faced the legal consequences of her actions as she received four consecutive one-to-15-year sentences (equal to four to 60 years) during a hearing on Feb. 20.
Franke, arrested on child abuse charges in August, expressed humility and readiness to serve her sentence during her court appearance before Judge John Walton. Her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, also received a four-to-60-year prison sentence on the same day.
Ruby Franke’s Future and Determination of Sentence Length
Franke’s legal troubles began when she pleaded guilty to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse, a stark contrast to her online persona as a parenting influencer. The charges stemmed from a disturbing incident where authorities in Utah responded to a report of a “juvenile asking for help.”
The child, found emaciated and malnourished with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities, was taken to a local hospital, revealing a harrowing case of neglect. Another minor in a similar state was discovered in the home, prompting authorities to place four minor children in the care of the Department of Child and Family Services while Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested.
Ruby Franke’s arrest led to a wave of reactions from her family members, including sisters Ellie Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein, and Julie Deru, who had previously kept quiet about the situation to protect the children. In a joint statement, they expressed relief that the children were safe and emphasized the need for accountability.
Amid the legal proceedings, Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, filed for divorce in late November, distancing himself from the abuse case. Despite his lawyer’s assertion of Kevin’s character, stating that no allegations of physical abuse had been made against him, the divorce marked a significant turn in the fallout from Ruby Franke’s actions.
Franke’s exact time behind bars will be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole, signaling a new chapter in the former YouTuber’s life as she faces the consequences of her crimes.
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