Ruby Franke is an American ex-family vlogger known for managing the now-closed YouTube channel 8 Passengers, was arrested in Washington County, Utah, on August 30, 2023. She faced six charges of aggravated child abuse under Utah law, ultimately pleading guilty to four of them.
Bio/Wiki
Age-42 years
Height-5 ft 5 in
Weight-57 kg
Born-18 January 1982
Birthplace-Utah, United States
Spouse-Kevin Franke (sep. 2022)
Profession-YouTuber, Vlogger
Nationality-American
Family
Franke’s parents are Chad and Jennifer Griffiths. She also has three sisters who are prominent parenting influencers.
Husband
In September 2022, Franke married Kevin Franke. However, their marriage took a turn, as in December 2023, Kevin filed for divorce after more than a year of separation.
Children
Franke and Kevin are parents of six children named Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.
Career
In early 2015, Franke launched the YouTube channel 8 Passengers, chronicling her family life in Utah alongside her husband, Kevin, and their six children. Initially posting five days a week at 6:00 AM, the channel gained nearly 2.5 million subscribers and 1 billion views by June 2020. Concerns arose in 2020 when one of Franke’s children disclosed being subjected to severe disciplinary measures, including food deprivation and threats involving a stuffed toy. These incidents prompted viewers to report perceived child abuse and neglect through a Change.org petition. Despite the Franke parents defending their discipline, the popularity of the 8 Passengers channel waned in 2021. The family faced further turmoil in 2022 when they separated, leading Ruby to delete the YouTube channel and transition to work as a mental health coach at ConneXions, a company operated by Jodi Nan Hildebrandt, a counselor. Together, they launched a new video channel and collaborated on an Instagram account called Moms of Truth, along with offering parenting classes. Concerns about the well-being of Franke’s children escalated when neighbors and her eldest daughter contacted authorities due to her frequent absence from home, prompting a welfare check.
Arrests and Charges
On August 30, 2023, Franke and Hildebrandt faced arrest in Ivins, Utah, charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse on September 1, 2023. The arrest came after Franke’s emaciated 12-year-old son sought help from neighbors, showing signs of malnourishment and injuries. Emergency services discovered Franke’s 10-year-old daughter in a similar condition. Both children received medical attention, with the boy treated for severe malnourishment and rope-induced lacerations. Further investigation led to the removal of two more of Franke’s children by the Utah Division of Child and Family Services. Franke and Hildebrandt were held without bail, and Hildebrandt temporarily surrendered her counseling license pending legal proceedings. Following her arrest, Franke was banned from YouTube, leading to the deletion of her associated channels. Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse on December 18, 2023, while pleading not guilty to two other counts.
Sentencing and Apology: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt’s Fate
Ruby Franke, 42, tearfully apologized in court as she faced sentencing for pleading guilty to starving and abusing her children. Her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, 54, received an identical sentence. The judge imposed four terms of one to 15 years each, to be served consecutively, the maximum under Utah law. The state’s parole board will determine their actual time served. Franke has 30 days to appeal. Utah prosecutor Eric Clarke described the children’s living conditions as akin to a “concentration camp,” expressing concern for community safety. Franke, visibly emotional, apologized to her children, admitting her disorientation led her astray.
“I was led to believe that this world was an evil place, filled with cops who control, hospitals that injure, government agencies that brainwash, church leaders who lie and lust, husbands who refuse to protect and children who need abuse,” she said.
Net Worth
Ruby Franke’s estimated net worth is around $6 million.
