Ruby Franke was arrested for child abuse after recording her family’s daily life on YouTube channel – but where is her child now?
After facing a rebound in some parenting options, Ruby stopped her “8 Passengers” channel and continued to initiate contact with Mentor Jodi Hildebrant 2022. In August 2023, Frank was arrested for two counts of aggravated child abuse. She and Hildebrant have since pleaded guilty and both were sentenced to four consecutive prison sentences.
In January 2025, Frank’s eldest daughter Shari told her story in her book “My Mother’s House: Daughter Seeking Freedom.” The memoir details what the mother calls abuse, which takes place throughout Islamic childhood. (Ruby shares her child with her husband Kevin Frankeshe applied for divorce after being arrested.
“When I was young, like five or six, Ruby was really physical,” Sally now in her 20s, told Good morning USA then. “Whether it’s a slap on the lips or a slap on the cheek… when I practice piano, her hands will slam, which is really horrible.”
When asked if she had anything to tell Ruby today, Sally said, “I’m glad it might not be you. I’m afraid she’s been so long, I don’t have her approval here, and I’m fine.”
The former couple’s older children – Islam and Chad – are the only children who tend to stay in the eyes of the public. The rest of the children – still minors – are still private. Scroll down to learn about Ruby and her family:
When was Ruby arrested?
Ruby was arrested in August 2023 for two counts of aggravated child abuse as one of her sons escaped the window of Hildebrant’s Utah residence. The son went to the neighbor’s house and asked for food and water. According to authorities, the child has tape on his ankles and wrists, which is malnourished.
How did Ruby defend it?
Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse in December 2023, describing “physical torture.” Ruby agreed to serve her sentence and as part of her plea agreement, her sentence will continue. Ruby also testified Hildebrant who pleaded guilty.
When was Ruby sentenced?
Ruby was sentenced in February 2024, with four consecutive prison sentences, each with a range of possible range from one to 15 years. Hildebrant received the same sentencing.
Speaking to the court before the sentencing, Ruby said her charges were “justice”. “They provide security for my family and accountable to the public,” she added. Ruby claimed she was “induced to believe” that the world was a “evil place” and thanked the officials who rescued her children.
Ruby Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and was sentenced to 60 years in prison. Franke, 41, was sentenced on Tuesday, February 20, serving four consecutive prison terms, each with a duration of one to 15 years. According to local news media Kuttf, the Utah Parliament Commission and […]
What is Hildebrand’s relationship with Ruby?
Shari wrote in her January 2025 book that Hildebrant moved into the family’s home in 2022 and Kevin moved out soon after. Shari claims that when Hildebrant became part of family life, the so-called abuse became more psychologically than physically.
Sally told Good morning USA At the time, it was pointed out that Ruby’s “secret” about his relationship with Hildebrandt. “I think the therapist will move to your client’s home, which is not normal at all…I’m in college and I haven’t even left the house yet, she’s in my room and in my bed.”
In the book, Sally claims that she found news on Ruby’s laptop after being arrested. “Ruby said he was frustrated with having to satisfy Jodi’s need for physical feelings without getting any reward,” she wrote.
Ruby told Good morning USA She is “not sure” whether Ruby and Hildebrant’s relationship is romantic. (Ruby said in a statement in court ahead of the February 2024 verdict that Hildebrant “never” her business partner. Ruby claimed Hildebrant had claimed Hildebrant
Did any of Ruby’s children contact the authorities before being arrested?
Sally claimed she had repeatedly linked to the authorities with alleged abuse. Utah Children and Family Services declined to comment on Sally’s claims in a statement to ABC News. The audio of the phone was played during the Devil in Hulu’s Family Documents series.
“The Utah Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) works with children and families during their most vulnerable moments. The DCF respects the privacy rights of every child and family and maintains a strong commitment to the privacy commitment of children and families in Utah,” the statement said. “DCF confirms law enforcement reports We are involved in the Franke case. However, in order to protect the integrity of the necessary working relationships with the people we serve and respect the privacy of children and families, DCF will continue to practice and avoid sharing specific information about the case in the past or present. Utah law requires anyone with justifiable belief that children have suffered abuse, neglect or dependence to report it to DCFS or local law enforcement agencies. The 24/7 Abuse and Neglect Hotline is 855-323-3237.”
What is Ruby’s family comment on her arrest?
Ruby’s sisters condemned her actions in an Instagram statement in August 2023. “For the past three years, we have been silent on the subject of sister Ruby Franke for her kids. Behind the public scene, we do our best to keep the kids safe.” Ellie Mecham, Julie Griffiths Deru and Bonnie Hoellein Write. Ruby was arrested and needed to happen. Jody was arrested, and that needed to happen. Children are safe now, and this is the number one priority. ”
Kevin has filed for divorce from Ruby and applied for custody. As of April 2024, the children are still under the custody of Utah’s Children and Family Services Department.
“He just wants to do the best things for the kids, get them back, let them be ruled by his guidance and his father, and protect them,” Kevin’s attorney Randy Kester said in a statement at the time.
In his case in juvenile court, Kevin sued Hildebrandt for intentionally causing emotional distress, negligence in emotional distress and negligence that had caused him and his children.
Ruby Franke has been arrested for recording her big brooding’s daily adventures on the “8 Passengers” YouTube channel. YouTube Personality, 41, booked in Springville, Utah on Wednesday, August 30, with two counts of severe child abuse. She is currently in police custody, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department website. Frank […]
Where are Ruby’s kids standing now?
In August 2024, Chad admitted to the anniversary of Ruby’s arrest. “Happy prisoner,” he wrote in a Snapchat.
Recalling her childhood Good morning USA In January 2025, Shari frankly said she didn’t want to be similar to her mom in any way. Sally said, “Sometimes, I’ll see myself in the mirror and I’m like, “Oh my god, I look like her, or “I sound like her,” but I don’t want to be like her. ”
Shari claims she doesn’t think her mom can “fully understand her confession of guilt”. “I think she’s as sorry as she can,” Sally said. “What she did was so bad that I don’t think her mind allowed her to fully understand all of this inward gui. So, I think she might really believe everything she said. I don’t.”
As she moves forward, Sally says she is trying to rebuild her relationship with her father and siblings. She noted that she has been struggling with the idea of forgiveness.
“Forgiveness is something I have to study and take into account its meaning,” she said. “But for me, forgiveness doesn’t seem to let that forgiveness consume every moment and all my thoughts in my life. I just want to continue my life and believe that things will go the way they should.”
Where is Ruby standing with his ex-husband Kevin?
Kevin’s lawyer Randy Kester Tell today In a September 2023 statement, the two were separated for 13 months in Ruby’s directive. He added: “Kevin doesn’t want to be separated.”
“He wanted to work through the concerns of a family,” Kester said. “There was never any formal written decree to maintain or separate agreements alone. The separation was forbidden under Ruby and Jodi Hildebrandt.”
Ruby and Kevin begin marriage consultations with Hildebrant in 2021. Kester told people Hildebrant hints at two separate people. He continued to file for divorce in November 2023.
“As of today, I’m still having a divorce. We’re working on a settlement. It’s been a long process, over a year, but it’s going on,” Kevin said in an interview with the People in February 2025.
Kevin noted that he was “close” to formally divorce Ruby. He also began to consider returning to the date scene.
“Okay, of course, that’s what I think,” he admitted. “But I’m a guy with my honor, and I’m still technically married. So I’ve stuck until the divorce is finalized. When the time is right, I think it’s something I’m looking forward to pursuing.”
LifeTime is making TV movies about Ruby Franke after being convicted of child abuse, despite allegedly unauthorized. “Notes about my family’s life: I suddenly saw the trailer in class and had anxiety,” the 42-year-old eldest daughter, Shari, wrote via Instagram Stories on Friday. […]
Where is Ruby’s kid standing with his father Kevin?
Kester was shortly before Ruby’s sentencing in February 2024. Laws and Crimes“The treatment these kids receive in the hands of those who have the right to trust is terrible, physically and psychologically inhumane. Kevin remains focused on the healing of these sweet and vulnerable kids so that they can get back to normal life as soon as possible.”
Kevin told ABC News in a January 2025 statement: “I am proud of the woman I am and the strength I am. She has played and will continue to play a key role in our family recovery. I am grateful for her role model and have learned a lot from her vulnerability and courage. Her strong voice will have a positive impact on the world. I love my daughter.”
The four youngest children did not show up publicly because they chose more private lives after the scandal.
Are Ruby’s children advocating for change?
Shari addressed Utah lawmakers in October 2024, introducing the “danger” of parents using their children online to get currency.
“When kids become stars in family online content, they become child influencers,” according to ABC News. “It’s not just about taking pictures of your family’s life and putting it online. It’s a full-time job with employees, business credit cards, managers and marketing strategies.”
Shari calls for greater restrictions on home video museums, especially when the kids are too young to agree. “There is no moral or moral family video museum,” she said.
If you or someone you know is suffering from child abuse, call 1-800-422-4453 or text the helpline.
