Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and Business Partner Sentenced to Prison for Child Abuse

 

Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt have been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to child abuse charges. Each could face up to 30 years, the most severe penalty under Utah law.Franke received four consecutive prison terms, while Hildebrandt received the same sentence.

 Both sentences could range from one to 15 years each, to be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.The charges stemmed from incidents involving Franke's children, who faced conditions likened to a "concentration camp-like setting," according to the state prosecutor. Franke admitted to the abuse and thanked public safety officials for rescuing her children.

In December, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse, detailing the torture inflicted on her children, including binding and forced labor. Hildebrandt also pleaded guilty to four counts, acknowledging her involvement in the abuse.The crimes were attributed to religious extremism, with the defendants believing the abuse was necessary for repentance and spiritual cleansing.Amid the legal proceedings, Franke's husband filed for divorce, expressing concern for the welfare of their children.

 Franke apologized to him in court, while her family attributed her actions to Hildebrandt's influence.The case highlights the dark side of online parenting advice and the dangers of extremism in religious beliefs.