The Ruby Franke Case: 7 Shocking Updates On The Disgraced Momfluencer's Prison Sentence And Family's New Life

The shocking downfall of Ruby Franke, once a prominent family vlogger on the "8 Passengers" YouTube channel, continues to be a major subject of public interest as of December 12, 2025. Her transition from a popular "momfluencer" documenting her family's life to a convicted child abuser serving a lengthy prison sentence represents one of the most dramatic and disturbing shifts in the history of social media celebrity. The latest updates focus not only on her ongoing incarceration alongside her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, but also on the remarkable steps the Franke children are taking to heal and share their stories. The case, which involved horrific acts of child abuse against two of her six children, has generated intense scrutiny of the family vlogging industry, mental health counseling, and the warning signs that were allegedly missed for years. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-the-minute look at where Ruby Franke is now, the details of her sentencing, and the current status of her family.

Ruby Franke: A Biography and The Road to 8 Passengers

Ruby Franke, born Ruby Nii, gained significant fame as the matriarch of the Franke family, who chronicled their lives on the popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers.

• Full Name: Ruby Nii Franke
• Date of Birth: January 18, 1982 (Age 43 as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Utah, United States
• Spouse: Kevin Franke (estranged; filed for divorce)
• Children: Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve Franke (six children)
• YouTube Channel: 8 Passengers (now defunct)
• Peak Subscribers: Over 2.5 million subscribers
• Business Partner: Jodi Hildebrandt (ConneXions)
• Conviction: Four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse
• Sentence Date: February 20, 2024
• Sentence: Four consecutive one-to-15 year prison terms (totaling 4 to 60 years)

Franke's YouTube channel, active from 2015 to 2022, was initially successful for its wholesome, family-focused content, but it increasingly drew criticism for alleged harsh parenting and punitive measures.

In 2022, Franke began collaborating extensively with mental health counselor Jodi Hildebrandt through Hildebrandt's life-coaching business, ConneXions. This partnership marked a noticeable shift in Franke's content and public persona, moving toward extreme, often controversial, parenting advice and life principles.

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The Crime, Arrest, and Shocking Details of the Abuse

The entire world of family vlogging was rocked on August 30, 2023, when Ruby Franke was arrested at Jodi Hildebrandt's Ivins, Utah, home.

The arrest was triggered by Franke's 12-year-old son, Russell, who escaped from the home and ran to a neighbor asking for food and water. The neighbor immediately noticed the boy was malnourished and had open wounds and duct tape marks on his ankles and wrists, prompting a call to 911.

Police found Franke's 10-year-old daughter, Eve, in a similar malnourished state inside the house. Both children were hospitalized due to severe malnourishment and injuries.

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The subsequent investigation revealed shocking details of the abuse, which included:

• Forcing the children to perform strenuous physical labor outdoors in the summer heat without adequate food or water.
• Tying the children up with ropes.
• Kicking the children while wearing boots.
• Denying food, water, and medical care for long periods.

Both Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were charged with six counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse.

In December 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse. She admitted to the horrific acts, stating in court that she had been "led astray" and was "deeply sorry."

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Sentencing and the Current Status of Franke and Hildebrandt

The legal proceedings concluded swiftly, resulting in a severe prison term for both women. The sentencing hearing took place in February 2024.

Ruby Franke was sentenced to four consecutive one-to-15 year prison terms for the four counts of aggravated child abuse. This means she will serve a minimum of four years and could potentially serve up to 60 years in a Utah prison, with the exact duration to be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

Jodi Hildebrandt received an identical sentence: four consecutive one-to-15 year terms. Both women were ordered to serve their time in separate facilities.

In her final statement to the court, Franke expressed remorse, acknowledging that she had followed "counsel which was dark." Hildebrandt also offered an apology, expressing regret for the pain she caused the children.

As of late 2025, both Franke and Hildebrandt remain incarcerated in Utah correctional facilities, beginning their lengthy sentences. Their potential release dates and parole hearings will be closely monitored by the public and media.

The Franke Children: Healing and Moving Forward

Following the arrests, all six Franke children were taken into the care of Utah's Division of Child and Family Services. The children are now reportedly in the care of their father, Kevin Franke, who filed for divorce from Ruby Franke shortly after her arrest.

The oldest daughter, Shari Franke, who had previously distanced herself from her mother and the 8 Passengers channel, has been a vocal advocate for her younger siblings. She has openly shared her journey of recovery and support for her family on social media.

In a significant development reported in early 2025, Shari Franke is preparing to release a new memoir detailing the abuse she and her siblings suffered, providing a first-hand account of the family's life behind the camera.

Chad Franke, the oldest son, also shared a heartwarming update one year after his mother's sentencing, expressing optimism and the family's focus on healing.

The children's bravery and resilience have been a focal point of the public conversation, highlighting the potential dangers and ethical concerns surrounding monetized family content on platforms like YouTube.

Media Adaptations and the Enduring Legacy of the Scandal

The sensational nature of Franke's story—from YouTube star to convicted felon—has predictably drawn the attention of major streaming services and production companies, ensuring the case remains in the public eye.

A Hulu docuseries, titled 'Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke,' was released, offering a deep dive into the story of the former family YouTuber.

Furthermore, a Lifetime movie, tentatively titled 'Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story,' is reportedly in the works, set to retell the dramatic rise and fall of the vlogger.

The Franke scandal has become a cautionary tale, forcing a re-evaluation of the "momfluencer" culture and the lack of oversight on content involving the lives of minor children. The widespread use of LSI keywords like 8 Passengers YouTube channel, aggravated child abuse, and Utah prison sentence ensures the story remains easily searchable as a reference point for discussions on digital ethics and child safety.

The case serves as a permanent reminder that the curated image presented by a family vlogger can hide a devastating reality, making the Franke children's ongoing journey toward recovery the most important chapter of this tragic story.