Ruby Franke formally charged with 6 counts of felony child abuse
Ruby Franke formally charged with 6 counts of felony child abuse NBC News
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Ruby Franke Charged with Felony Child Abuse
Ruby Franke, the mother of six behind the family YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” has been charged with six counts of felony child abuse by the Washington County Attorney in Utah, a spokesperson for the attorney’s office confirmed to NBC News on Tuesday.
Incident Details
- Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested last week after law enforcement found Franke’s 12-year-old son emaciated and with open wounds and duct tape on his wrists and ankles.
- The boy had climbed out of a window of Hildebrandt’s home and ran to a neighbor’s house for help, according to a probable cause affidavit acquired by NBC News.
Condition of the Children
Franke’s 10-year-old daughter was found at Hildebrandt’s home in a similar malnourished condition, according to the affidavit. Officials said the condition of the children was so severe that they were transported to a local area hospital. Franke’s other four children were taken into the care of Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services.
Charges and Penalties
Hildebrandt was also charged with six counts of felony child abuse. Each count carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000, the county attorney told NBC News in an emailed statement.
Current Status
Franke and Hildebrandt are still in custody, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office website.
Legal Representation
A lawyer for Franke did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is unclear whether Hildebrandt has retained representation. Both are expected to appear in court for their hearings on Friday, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Background and YouTube Channel
- Franke rose to prominence in 2015 through the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, which featured her, her husband Kevin, and their six children.
- The channel had a following of nearly 2.3 million subscribers before it was taken down earlier this year.
- Ruby Franke frequently collaborated on parenting and relationship advice videos with Hildebrandt for ConneXions, Hildebrandt’s life coaching service criticized for its extreme teachings, including rejecting children who do not abide by their beliefs.
YouTube confirmed to NBC News last week that it had terminated two channels related to Franke.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
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Source: nbcnews.com
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