Woman from popular parenting YouTube channel admits to child abuse

A woman, who once was a celebrated figure in the world of parenting advice on YouTube, has admitted guilt to four counts of aggravated child abuse. 

The 41-year-old, who previously ran the well-known channel "8 Passengers," reached a plea deal with prosecutors following disturbing accusations involving the mistreatment of her own children.

The charges emerged after one of Ruby Franke's sons managed to escape from their residence in Utah, pleading for sustenance and aid from a neighboring household. Franke, wearing a white and grey-striped jail jumpsuit, expressed her profound remorse and sorrow for her family and children as she entered her guilty plea recently.

Scheduled for sentencing on February 20, 2024, Franke also committed to testify against her former business partner and collaborator, Jodi Hildebrandt, who was arrested and charged with child abuse after Franke's son's distressing escape.

According to Franke's lawyer, Winward Law, Hildebrandt is alleged to have manipulated and isolated Franke from her family, leading her into a situation that distorted her moral compass over an extended period.

The ordeal came to light when Franke's malnourished son fled Hildebrandt's home, where, as per court records, he recounted being restrained with ropes on his wrists and ankles. The severity of his condition upon escape led to immediate hospitalization, revealing deep lacerations from the restraints and evident malnourishment.

Further investigation uncovered Franke's daughter in a similarly malnourished state, prompting authorities to place four of Franke's children in state custody.

Franke initially gained fame in 2015 through her YouTube channel, where she openly discussed parenting her six children. However, as her popularity surged, criticism mounted against her for employing strict disciplinary methods, such as withholding meals and reportedly making her son sleep on a bean bag as punishment.

The '8 Passengers' channel was deactivated earlier this year amid escalating concerns and public outcry over Franke's parenting tactics.