The pair face felony charges after disturbing child abuse allegations were brought to light.
Family vlogger Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt are to remain in custody without bail following a virtual court hearing on Friday. The two women are facing serious charges of felony child abuse, with six counts each, after being arrested on August 30. The charges stem from the discovery of Franke’s severely malnourished 12-year-old son, who was found with open wounds and duct tape on his wrists and ankles after escaping from Hildebrandt’s home. A similar condition was found with Franke’s 10-year-old daughter, who was also living at Hildebrandt’s residence.
The charges each carry a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Franke and Hildebrandt were taken into custody after law enforcement responded to the child’s escape. The details of the abuse, including the children’s malnutrition and the circumstances surrounding their mistreatment, have shocked many.
The case has drawn significant public attention, especially due to Franke’s former fame as a family vlogger. She initially rose to prominence in 2015 with the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, which featured her and her family, including her husband Kevin and their six children. The channel, which has since been taken down, garnered millions of views but is now under scrutiny due to these disturbing revelations.
During the virtual hearing, which had over 1,000 people attempting to watch, technical difficulties delayed the proceedings. The hearing, held in St. George, Utah, ultimately continued, and Judge Eric Gentry decided that both Franke and Hildebrandt would remain in custody without bail.
Judge John Walton will now take over their cases, with a scheduled hearing set for September 21. The ongoing legal proceedings are expected to unfold as the full extent of the abuse comes to light. Meanwhile, the four children who are still minors have been placed under the care of Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services for their protection and well-being.
The case has highlighted concerns regarding the responsibility of influencers and online personalities, especially regarding the safety and welfare of their children. Many are calling for more stringent regulations to ensure the safety of children featured in online content.
As the case progresses, both Franke and Hildebrandt face serious charges that could result in long prison sentences, pending the outcomes of further investigations and legal proceedings.