YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke, known for her “8 Passengers” YouTube channel, has pleaded guilty in her child abuse case more than three months after her arrest.
According to KSL, the 41-year-old mother of six, whose channel amassed millions of followers before being shut down, entered a plea deal in St. George’s 5th District Court on Monday, in Utah.
Franke pleaded guilty to four out of the six aggravated child abuse felony charges against her. The remaining two charges were dismissed. She’s scheduled for sentencing on February 20.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Franke and business partner Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested in August when one of Hildebrandt’s neighbors called police to report that a child knocked on their door, asking for food and water.
“I just had a 12-year-old boy show up here at my front door asking for help and he said he just came from a neighbor’s house and you know, there’s been problems at this neighbor’s house,” the neighbor told the dispatcher.
“He’s emaciated, he’s got tape around his legs, he’s hungry and he’s thirsty.”
Officers went to Hildebrandt’s home and encountered another child, a 10-year-old girl, who was taken for treatment and deemed malnourished by medical professionals.
Hildebrandt directly cared for the children, but police said Franke was aware of the abuse as she filmed a YouTube video in Hildebrandt’s basement two days before the incident.
Franke did not speak to cops following her arrest and requested a lawyer. Hildebrand commented that the children should “never be around any other kids” — further leading police to believe she was aware of the abuse.
The child, identified as one of Franke’s children, had duct tape on their wrists and ankles. Four of the children were subsequently placed in the state’s care following last month’s incident.
Winward Law, the firm that represented Franke, issued the following statement, in part, Friday:
“During Ruby Franke’s incarceration in Washington County Jail over the past few months, she has actively engaged in an introspection that has allowed her to reset her moral compass and understand the full weight of her actions. Ms. Franke is committed to taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration.”
Meanwhile, Hildebrandt is awaiting her next court date. Court records indicate it has been rescheduled for December 27.
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[Feature Photo: Franke Rube & children/Instagram]
