Ruby Franke, Utah Influencer and Family YouTuber, Arrested Over Child Abuse
A Utah family YouTuber, Ruby Franke, who is known for running the now-deleted 8 Passengers YouTube channel, was arrested in Utah and is facing charges. The "momfluencer" is still in police custody for aggravated child abuse charges.
Utah police found an emaciated child, and this led to the family YouTuber's arrest. That child was described by authorities as "emaciated and malnourished" with "open wounds and duct tape around the extremities." The child reportedly was looking for food and water before running into some neighbors who quickly helped the child.
The child then informed police officers that other children inside a nearby residence were also undergoing similar circumstances. This prompted the police to search the home, where they found another juvenile "in a similar physical condition of malnourishment." That child, as well as the other juvenile, were then sent to a nearby hospital due to their "severe" condition.
According to E! News, the police found evidence "consistent with the markings found" on the first child. Franke was then arrested with her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The two children were reportedly staying at Hildebrandt's home.
Following their arrest, four more children were taken into the custody of the Department of Child and Family Service. It was not mentioned if the other four kids were also malnourished.
The first child reportedly escaped through a window before trying to get some neighbors to help. The neighbors found the child to be extremely malnourished with some bondage marks.
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Ruby Franke Knew of the Abuse and Neglect of the Children Under Jodi Hildebrandt's Care
Jodi Hildebrandt is the creator of the mental health company "Connexions Classroom," and the two children were under her care. The "MomTuber" appeared in a YouTube video that she filmed inside Hildebrandt's basement and posted two days ago. Because of this, police believe that she knows about the abuse and neglect happening inside her business partner's home.
ABC-4 reported that Hildebrandt was in direct care of the children and had direct knowledge of the abuse. Following her arrest, she told police that the two children should "never be allowed around any other kids," furthering law enforcement's opinion that she knew about the abuse.
Franke and Hildebrandt are known to promote family values and have been giving tips on parenting, both in Hildebrandt's family counseling service and also in Franke's YouTube channel.
Ruby Franke's Eldest Daughter Celebrates Mother's Arrest
Ruby Franke has an estranged relationship with her eldest daughter, Shari Franke. After her mother's arrest, the 20-year-old Shari posted a photo of police on her Instagram account with the caption, "Finally." She then released a statement saying that she and her family are glad that justice is now being served.
"We've been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up," she stated.
According to Fox 13, Shari Franke also confirmed that the other children were safe but admitted that there was still a "long road ahead."
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: YouTuber Ruby Franke arrested after 'emaciated' child with duct tape around extremities ran for help - Page Six
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