From YouTube Fame to Prison Cell: The Shocking Downfall of Ruby Franke

From Online Star to Accused Criminal

Ruby Franke gained fame on YouTube. Her channel was “8 Passengers.” It started in 2015. She shared her family life. Viewers saw her six kids and husband, Kevin. They seemed like a happy family. Franke was a Mormon. People liked seeing her family’s daily routines. The channel grew fast. It got over 2 million followers.

Dark Turns and Growing Worries

“8 Passengers” lasted seven years. Over time, the channel’s tone changed. Franke’s advice on parenting became stricter. It worried many viewers. Concerns grew when Franke worked with Jodi Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt had a counseling business. It was called ConneXions Classroom. Hildebrandt was a life coach. Her methods were controversial. Some former patients said they were harmful. They described them as cult-like.

In 2020, there was public anger. Franke’s son said he slept on a beanbag for months. It was punishment. People signed a petition. Child Protective Services investigated. But the case closed. Claims were “unsupported.” Despite warnings, Franke’s parenting seemed to get worse.

Timeline of Ruby Franke’s Downfall

Date	Event	Source Link
2015	Ruby Franke starts “8 Passengers” YouTube channel.	Wikipedia Source
2020	Criticism rises over strict parenting methods; CPS investigation occurs.	Biography Source
August 2023	Son escapes Hildebrandt’s home, revealing abuse. Franke and Hildebrandt arrested.	CBS News Source
August 30, 2023	Franke and Hildebrandt charged with aggravated child abuse.	Wikipedia Source
December 2023	Ruby Franke pleads guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.	Wikipedia Source
February 20, 2024	Franke and Hildebrandt sentenced to prison.	CBS News Source
Ongoing	Family deals with fallout; custody battles continue.	People.com Source
	YouTube channels terminated.	Time Source
	Children placed in state custody.	People.com Source
	Family condemns Franke’s actions.	CBS News Source

The Arrest and Abuse Revealed

In August 2023, the truth came out. Franke’s 12-year-old son escaped. He ran from Jodi Hildebrandt’s house in Utah. He asked a neighbor for help. The boy was hurt and malnourished. This led to arrests. Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on August 30, 2023. Each faced child abuse charges. Evidence showed terrible abuse. Franke’s children suffered starvation and torture. It was driven by “religious extremism,” said prosecutors.

Guilty Plea and Prison

Ruby Franke admitted guilt in December 2023. She pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse. She confessed to torturing her kids. A prosecutor called it “concentration camp-like.” Franke’s journals were evidence. They described abuse. She starved her son. She held his head underwater. She made him do hard labor in the heat. Jodi Hildebrandt also pleaded guilty to child abuse.

Sentencing and What’s Next

On February 20, 2024, Franke and Hildebrandt got their sentences. Each got four prison terms. These terms run one after another. They could be in prison for up to 30 years. At her sentencing, Franke apologized to her children. She said she took away their safety and goodness. Her husband, Kevin, and older kids were in court.

Family Aftermath and Custody

After Ruby Franke momfluencer arrest, her YouTube channels shut down. Her four youngest children went into state care. Kevin Franke wants to get custody of them. Ruby Franke’s family has spoken out. Her sisters and parents disapprove of her actions. Her brother said Hildebrandt “brainwashed” Franke.

Conclusion

Ruby Franke’s story is disturbing. It shows the dark side of “momfluencer” culture. It reveals dangers of extremism. Her YouTube fame hid terrible abuse. Her public image was fake. Her downfall is a warning. People online may hide secrets. This case makes us think. What is the role of online platforms? What about pressure on “momfluencers”? How can we spot child abuse? Even when families seem perfect online, abuse can happen.

Who is Ruby Franke?

Ruby Franke was a YouTube “momfluencer.” She ran the “8 Passengers” channel. It showed her family life.

What did Ruby Franke do?

She was arrested for child abuse. She pleaded guilty to aggravated child abuse. She abused her children.

What is “8 Passengers”?

“8 Passengers” was Ruby Franke’s YouTube channel. It featured her family. It had millions of followers.

What happened to Ruby Franke’s children?

After her arrest, the youngest children were taken into state custody.

Where are Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt now?

Both are in prison. They were sentenced to up to 30 years.