Ruby Franke (pictured above), the Utah mother who used to run the family YouTube channel "8 Passengers," has found herself in legal trouble as she faces child abuse charges.
The charges came after a distressing incident in which authorities discovered a malnourished minor with visible wounds and duct tape on their limbs.
Jodi Hildebrandt, Franke's business partner known for her relationship and parenting advice videos on ConneXions, also faces the same charges.
It's worth noting that ConneXions has faced criticism in the past for its parenting teachings, which sometimes prioritize the organization's "principles of truth" over the welfare of children.
The incident came to light when the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department received a report about a juvenile in dire need of assistance on Wednesday morning.
The juvenile was found to be severely malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape binding their extremities. Their condition was so critical that they had to be seen by Santa Clara-Ivins EMS and then rushed to a local hospital.
Further investigation led authorities to a nearby residence where another juvenile was discovered in a similar state and also required medical attention. Following a search of the house, four minors were taken into the custody of the Department of Child and Family Services.
Subsequently, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested in connection with the incident and remain in custody, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.
Neither their representatives nor the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Department have provided immediate comments on the matter.
Ruby Franke gained fame in 2015 through the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, featuring her husband Kevin and their six children. The channel had a substantial following of nearly 2.3 million subscribers before it was unexpectedly removed from YouTube earlier this year. The reason for the channel's removal remains unclear.
The Frankes' strict parenting style had drawn attention in the past, with some viewers reporting them to authorities.
In one instance, viewers alerted local child protective services after their 15-year-old son mentioned sleeping on a beanbag for seven months. Ruby Franke defended this as his choice after being separated from his younger brother due to behavioral issues.
Additionally, Ruby Franke faced backlash for videos where she refused to provide lunch to her then-6-year-old child, who had forgotten to pack food, and threatened to dispose of her children's cherished belongings.
Eldest daughter Shari Franke, who had distanced herself from her immediate family, posted about her mother's arrest on her Instagram Story, expressing relief that justice was being served. She also requested followers to share any concerning ConneXions or "8 Passengers" videos with her.
Other family influencers, claiming to be Ruby Franke's sisters, shared a joint Instagram post supporting the arrest, emphasizing their efforts to ensure the safety of the children.
In Utah, aggravated child abuse is defined as causing serious physical injury to a child or permitting another to do so.
In another news, three teenagers have been convicted for the murder of a 21-year-old man after he was brutally stabbed to death by the three teenagers. See detailed story here
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