All About Ruby Franke: Everything to Know About the Influencer Mom Convicted of Child Abuse

Mar. 15, 2025

Moms of Truth/ Instagram

After the YouTube channel ended, Franke cohosted theConneXionspodcast with her business partnerJodi Hildebrandt. But that venture also reportedly generated concern as Franke and Hildebrandt allegedly espoused homophobic, transphobic, racist and ableist rhetoric, according to Insider.

On Aug. 30, according to Utah’sSanta Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, police were notified that a juvenile — described as appearing “emaciated” with “open wounds and duct tape around the extremities” — went to a neighbor’s house asking for food and water. The child, along with another one in “similar physical condition” were transported to a local hospital.

After the discovery, the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department announced the arrest of Franke and Hildebrandt in a press release.

Under the plea agreement, two more charges of aggravated child abuse for each woman were dropped, Tania Mashburn, a spokeswoman for Utah State Courts, confirmed to PEOPLE.

Here’s everything to know about the mother of six and her and Hildebrandt’s convictions.

Franke’s Children Were Reportedly Found at Hildebrandt’s Home

TheSalt Lake Tribunereported that the home the children were found at belonged to Hildebrandt. According to the outlet, Franke’s 12-year-old son is the one who allegedly climbed out of a window at Hildebrandt’s home and went to a neighbor for help. After being notified of the situation, authorities went to Hildebrandt’s home where they found Franke’s other child, aged 10, theSalt Lake Tribunereported.

Both Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested in connection with the incident, authorities said. The two were denied bail, per theSalt Lake Tribune,and as of Sept. 4, Franke and Hildebrandtremained in custody, according to online jail records.

Franke’s Daughter Has Spoken Out About Her Mother’s Arrest

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Franke’s YouTube Channel Once Had 2.5 Million Subscribers

At the height of its popularity,8 Passengershad 2.5 million subscribers until it was shut down in 2023,Insiderreported.

Some Viewers Raised the Alarms About Alleged Abuse Before Arrest

Despite8 Passengers' popularity during its run, Franke’s parenting style drew scrutiny and allegations of abuse from viewers.

In an interview with the same outlet in 2020,Franke explained: “What people aren’t understanding is that we give our children choice in everything. We are teaching our children to be self-governing, so it was always very open with our son that he gets to choose how long he’s separate from his brother, dependent upon his behavior.”

Hildebrandt and Franke Are Business Partners

PerUSA Today, viewers described both Franke and Hildebrandt’s philosophy on parenting as extremely strict.

In an April 2023 interview with theInto the Lightpodcast recorded before her mother’s arrest, Shari Franke explained that her family’s involvement in the ConneXions company was a reason for her estranged relationship, perInsider. She said that they joinedConneXionsso they could be “growth-oriented.” However, over time, according to her,ConneXions’ teachings became more extreme.

Neighbors Reportedly Tried to Seek Help for the Children Before the Arrest

Franke’s neighbors also alleged that she began spending more time away from her home after she got involved withConneXions. An anonymous source told NBC News that Franke kicked her husband Kevin out of their home last year.

“Everyone is just breathing a collective sigh of relief, because we thought they were going to come out of that house with body bags,” a neighbor told NBC News upon the police’s visit to the Franke’s.

Kevin Franke Files for Divorce

Kevin Franke filed for divorce from his wife in November.

PEOPLE has reached out to lawyers representing Kevin Franke, but did not hear back.

As part of a plea deal,Frankepleaded to four counts, rather than the six she was initially charged with, according to the outlet, which cited prosecutors. Hilderbrandt also pled guilty to four charges of aggravated child abuse.

Franke’s ex-business partnerJodi Hildebrandtwas also received the same sentence, according to the outlets. However, the women will not serve more than 30 years due to a Utah law regarding consecutive sentences,Business Insiderreports.

In court, Franke cried and apologized to her children and said she was “deceived,” according toBusiness Insider.

“I will never stop crying for hurting your tender souls,” she said, per the outlet.

Hildebrandt also apologized at her sentence following Franke’s and said she loved Franke’s children, according to TODAY.

“I desire for them to heal physically and emotionally,” she said, the outlet reported.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com