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Parenting Influencer Faces 30 Years in Prison for Child Abuse

Ruby Franke, 42, a well-known parenting influencer, now faces up to 30 years in prison after admitting to severe physical and emotional abuse of her children.

Who is Ruby Franke?

Ruby Franke gained fame through her ‘8 Passengers’ YouTube channel, where she shared parenting tips and family life with her husband, Kevin, and their six children. The channel, launched in 2015, attracted 2.3 million followers before being shut down last year.

Why Was Ruby Franke Arrested?

Ruby and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were charged with six felony counts of aggravated child abuse. They pleaded guilty to four counts, and both now face significant jail time.

Incident Leading to Arrest

In August last year, Ruby’s 12-year-old son escaped from Hildebrandt’s home, appearing malnourished and covered in wounds, with duct tape around his legs and wrists. He told police his injuries were treated with cayenne pepper. Ruby and Jodi were arrested following this incident.

Details of the Abuse

Ruby admitted to forcing her son into strenuous physical tasks without adequate water, resulting in severe sunburns and isolation. He was also bound regularly and kicked by Ruby while wearing boots. Her youngest daughter faced similar abuse, including running barefoot and being deprived of food and water.

Response to Sentencing

None of Ruby’s children attended her sentencing. She expressed remorse, stating, “I’ll never stop crying for hurting your tender souls.” Meanwhile, Jodi acknowledged the harm their actions caused and hoped for the children’s recovery.

Kevin Franke’s Reaction

Kevin Franke, who filed for divorce from Ruby, distanced himself from the abuse allegations. His lawyer stated that Kevin had been living separately from Ruby for over a year and was “distraught” upon learning about the abuse.

The Aftermath

Ruby’s children, all under 18, have been taken into care. The case highlights the dark side of social media fame and raises questions about the pressures and responsibilities of online influencers.

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