Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and her associate, Jodi Hildebrandt, found guilty of child abuse charges linked to a distressing incident involving Franke's children, have been sentenced to potential prison terms of up to 30 years each - the most severe penalty available under Utah law.

Franke, known for her "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, received four consecutive prison terms, with each term ranging from one to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000, according to CBS News.

Similarly, Hildebrandt, associated with the counseling business ConneXions Classroom, faces an identical sentence.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine the actual prison time for both individuals, and Ruby Franke has a 30-day window to appeal the decision.

Guilty Pleas Reveal Disturbing Abuse

In their plea agreements, Franke and Hildebrandt admitted to causing or permitting serious physical injuries to Franke's children between May and August 2023, per ABC News.

Parenting YouTuber, Franke, tearfully addressing the court, acknowledged following a distorted reality for the past four years, isolated from dissenting voices.

"For the past four years, I've chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me into a dark delusion. My distorted version of reality went largely unchecked as I would isolate myself from anyone who challenged me," Franke said.

She claimed Jodi Hildebrandt was not her business partner, but her son's counselor-turned-mentor.

Meanwhile, Winward Law, Ruby Franke's legal representation, said that Hildebrandt exploited Franke, leading her into a distorted sense of morality, The Salt Lake Tribune noted.

The firm stated that Hildebrandt "systematically isolated" Franke from her family, shaping her beliefs negatively.

Hildebrandt's plea agreement echoed similar details of physical torture, denial of food and water, and severe emotional harm inflicted upon Franke's children.

Hildebrandt's defense attorney, Douglas Terry, stated she chose to plead guilty to spare Franke's children from testifying, expressing her primary concern for their healing, both physically and emotionally.

Disturbing Details Emerge as Franke's Children Found Emaciated

Parenting YouTuber Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were apprehended in early September after Franke's 12-year-old son escaped Hildebrandt's home, seeking help from a neighbor, The Hill reports.

The child, with tape on his ankles and wrists and deep lacerations, prompted a 911 call. Franke's 10-year-old daughter was also discovered at Hildebrandt's residence, leading to both children being hospitalized and subsequently taken into state custody.

Details emerged that Hildebrandt had physically forced Franke's daughter to jump into a cactus multiple times, and the 12-year-old boy revealed abusive practices involving ropes, cayenne pepper, and honey.

Franke's attorney stated she had become a "student of her actions" since her incarceration, acknowledging her distorted reality and expressing remorse.

During sentencing, Hildebrandt insisted on her love for the children, expressed hope for their healing, and asserted her decision to plead guilty to shield them from emotional trauma.

The judge, however, criticized Jodi Hildebrandt for terrorizing the children and following a philosophy detached from decency standards.

The disturbing case highlights the severity of child abuse and the consequences faced by those responsible, shedding light on a painful chapter in the lives of Ruby Franke's children.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Ruby Franke breaks down in tears as judge orders her to serve up to 60 years for child abuse - From Page Six