Utah YouTube Parenting Influencer Arrested for Child Abuse after Emaciated Son Escapes, Sparks Outrage
A well-known Utah parenting influencer, Ruby Franke, who once provided advice to over two million YouTube followers, has been arrested for child abuse. The arrest comes after her emaciated son managed to escape and seek food for himself, leading to public outrage. Franke’s business partner and collaborator, Jodi Hildebrandt, has also been taken into custody.
Franke and her husband Kevin, who used to share their experiences raising their six children on their now-defunct YouTube channel 8 Passengers, were known for their lessons in strict discipline. However, their approach often faced criticism from viewers who found it excessively strict.
The incident that led to the arrests was initiated by a concerned individual who called the health department of Ivins, a small town in southwestern Utah, to report an emaciated and malnourished juvenile who had escaped through a window and was desperately asking for food and water. The statement from the Ivins health department revealed that the child had open wounds and had duct tape around his extremities.
According to the local St George News, a police officer stated that the boy, believed to be around 12 years old, had deep lacerations as a result of being tied with a rope. Both him and another child found in a nearby residence were immediately transported to a hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, a search of the house unveiled evidence that aligned with the markings found on the injured juvenile. As a result, four minor children have been removed from the custody of their parents by local police and family services officials.
On Friday, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were officially charged with aggravated child abuse in Washington County. However, it remains unclear what charges, if any, Ruby’s husband Kevin Franke might face.
This is not the first time the Franke family has come into contact with child and family services. In 2020, authorities were called to their home after one of their sons disclosed on YouTube that he had been forced to sleep on a beanbag chair as punishment for an extended period of time. While the parents claimed this incident was taken out of context, it fueled online criticism that the Frankes employed overly harsh and extreme child-rearing techniques, such as withholding food as a form of discipline.
In response to the recent arrests, two women claiming to be Ruby Franke’s sisters took to social media and expressed relief, stating that the arrests were necessary and that they would finally ensure the safety of the children involved.
At present, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt are being held without bail at the Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane, a nearby town. No court date has been set for the case.
As the public continues to grapple with the shocking allegations against a YouTube parenting influencer, there are growing concerns over the potential repercussions this case may have on the broader discussions surrounding online parenting advice and the responsibility of influencers. The incident also highlights the power and impact of public reporting and the duty to report suspected child abuse.
The case will undoubtedly continue to unfold, and both supporters and critics will closely follow legal proceedings to ensure justice is served, and the welfare of the children involved is protected.
