Ruby Franke (née Griffiths; born January 18, 1982) is an American former family vlogger and convicted child abuser who ran the now defunct YouTube channel 8 Passengers.
The story gained widespread attention due to the serious nature of the charges and the public platform Franke had previously maintained.
Arrest and Charges
On August 30, 2023, Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested in Washington County, Utah, and charged with six counts of felony aggravated child abuse of two of Franke's children.
The factual basis mentioned an incident of Franke forcing her son to work outdoors over several weeks with inadequate protection, resulting in severe sunburns, and claims that the children were possessed.
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
On December 18, 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. She later pleaded not guilty to two other counts.
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Franke agreed to serve a prison sentence and to serve her respective sentences consecutively rather than concurrently.
Franke was expected to testify against Hildebrandt in Hildebrandt's upcoming trial, but Hildebrandt separately pleaded guilty to four counts of felony aggravated child abuse on December 27, with two charges dropped as part of another plea deal.
Sentencing
On February 20, 2024, Franke received four consecutive sentences of between one and fifteen years' imprisonment, meaning she must serve a minimum term of four years.
Although the maximum term that could be imposed for all sentences would be 60 years, the Utah Code dictates that the time served by a defendant upon whom consecutive sentences are imposed must not exceed 30 years, except in circumstances of life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Key Dates in the Case:
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Legal Actions Post-Conviction
On January 22, 2025, former Connexions Classroom client's husband Michael Tilleman filed a lawsuit in federal court against Hildebrandt and Franke for business fraud and promoting a "methodology that encouraged child abuse among their clients".
Personal Life
In 2022, the Frankes separated, and Kevin moved out of the house.
Ruby Franke's husband filed for divorce.
Kevin, Ruby Franke finalize divorce amid child abuse scandal, custody battle.
The Rise and Fall of YouTube Mom Ruby Franke
Media Coverage and Aftermath
YouTube removed Ruby Franke's ConneXions channel and says she can't make accounts anymore.
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The case has garnered significant media attention, including documentaries and films.
A Lifetime movie titled "Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story" was produced.
Hulu is set to release a docuseries on Ruby Franke.
Investigation Discovery is also exploring the case in a docuseries.
Ruby Franke's daughter published a memoir about her decades of abuse.
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