Family Vlogger Ruby Frank in Utah Detained After Child Found Taped and Desperate for Food and Water
Ruby Franke, a Utah-based family vlogger who once offered parenting advice on her YouTube channel "8 Passengers," has been arrested and charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse.
Content Warning: This article discusses sensitive topics related to child abuse and neglect. Reader discretion is advised.
Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.
Hey there, Justice Moms and Dads! In a world where social media influencers and vloggers are often put on a pedestal, it's easy to forget that these are real people with real lives—and sometimes, real issues. According to AP Ruby Franke, the Utah-based mom who once gave parenting advice on her popular YouTube channel "8 Passengers," has been arrested and charged with six felony counts of aggravated child abuse.
The arrest came after two of her six children were found abused and malnourished. This article aims to shed light on the grim reality that sometimes lurks behind the curated images and videos we see online.
On a fateful Wednesday morning, one of Franke's sons managed to escape from the residence of Jodi Hildebrandt, who also faces the same abuse charges. The child ran to a neighbor's house, begging for food and water. The neighbor noticed duct tape on the boy's ankles and wrists and immediately contacted law enforcement. Both the boy and Franke's daughter were found to be malnourished and emotionally harmed. They were taken to a hospital for medical attention, and Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested without the possibility of posting bail.
The Charges: Aggravated Child Abuse
Prosecutors allege that Franke and Hildebrandt either caused or allowed someone to torture Franke's 12-year-old son and injure her 10-year-old daughter. The children were not only physically abused but were also emotionally harmed. The charges are severe, and both women are being held without the possibility of bail.
Jodi Hildebrandt, the owner of a counseling business that claims to teach people to improve their lives, was also arrested on the same charges. This adds another layer of irony and tragedy to the story, as Hildebrandt's business, ConneXions Classroom, had posted YouTube videos featuring Franke.
The Franke family had previously faced online criticism for their parenting decisions, which were often showcased on their "8 Passengers" vlog. From banning their oldest son from his bedroom for seven months to refusing to take lunch to a kindergartener who forgot it at home, their choices had raised eyebrows. An online petition had even been started, asking child protective services to get involved.
Franke requested an attorney post-arrest and has not spoken with officers. Her husband's attorney, Randy S. Kester, stated that he could not comment on Ruby Franke's arrest but was representing Kevin Franke's interests in keeping his children together and in his care.
This case serves as a grim reminder that not everything is as it seems online. It's a wake-up call for viewers to be more discerning and for platforms to be more vigilant. Most importantly, it's a call for justice for the children involved, who deserve a life free from abuse and neglect.
Disclaimer: This post is based on a proposed settlement and is subject to court approval. Always consult with a legal advisor for personalized advice. Always consult with a legal expert for matters concerning lawsuits and settlements.
