Ruby Franke pleaded guilty and is charged with 6 Counts of Felony Child Abuse
- Ruby Franke is detained for up to 15 years after being charged with 6 counts of felony child abuse.
- She is accused of causing or permitting serious physical injury to her children.
- Franke was arrested last week under suspicion of two counts of aggravated child abuse.
Ruby Franke is behind bars for child abuse
Ruby Franke, 41, has been charged with six counts of felony child abuse along with business partner Jodi Hildebrandt.
According to the Washington County Attorney in Utah, each count carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years with around $10,000 fine.
Both women were arrested last week under suspicion of two counts of aggravated child abuse. The probable cause affidavit alleged that Franke’s 12-year-old son Russell escaped from a window of Hildebrandt’s home and ran to a neighbor’s home “asking for food and water”.
The boy was found in an emaciated state and had several open wounds on his body with duct tape on their limbs.
In addition, his younger sister Eve, 10, was found in a similar condition at their home. Authorities said that Russell and Eve were so malnourished that they needed to be taken to a hospital for care.
They are now under the care of Utah’s Department of Child and Family Services along with their two minor siblings.
The YouTube personality is the mom to six children Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve. Her two other adult children didn’t reside with her.
The local County Attorney’s office released a statement mentioning detailed the charges against Franke and Hildebrandt,
“There are two juvenile victims in these cases, and each defendant is accused of causing or permitting serious physical injury to the victims in three different ways: (1) a combination of multiple physical injuries or torture, (2) starvation or malnutrition that jeopardizes life, and (3) causing severe emotional harm.”
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Ruby Franke’s family members spoke out in support of the charges
Many were satisfied with her arrest including Franke’s eldest and estranged daughter Shari. The 20-year-old Shari shared a photo that appeared to be from the arrest on her Instagram story with the caption,
“Today has been a big day. Me and my family are so glad justice is 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. Kids are safe, but there’s a long road ahead. Please keep them in your prayers and also respect their privacy.”
The Utah influencer’s sisters Ellie Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein, and Julie Deru shared a joint Instagram statement stating that they feel relieved by the arrest.
“For the last 3 years, we have kept quiet on the subject of Ruby Franke for the sake of her children,Behind the public scene, we have done everything to try and make sure the kids were safe. We wouldn’t feel right about moving forward with regular content without addressing the most recent events. Once we do, we will not be commenting on it any further.”
Also read Family Vlogger Ruby Franke Arrested for Child Abuse!