Ruby Franke calls estranged husband Kevin Franke 'the love of my life' after receiving prison sentence
ST GEORGE, UTAH: Ruby Franke, who faced her sentencing on Tuesday, February 20, has offered a tearful apology to her family and claimed she takes "full accountability" for her actions.
The former YouTuber received four consecutive one to 15-year prison sentences for aggravated child abuse.
Ruby Franke's family attended her sentencing hearing
Franke, who pleaded guilty to the four counts of child abuse, was arrested in August 2023 along with her parenting podcasting partner Jodi Hildebrandt who also received the same sentence.
The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine the length of each prison sentence.
At the sentencing hearing on Tuesday, February 20, the disgraced vlogger's estranged husband Kevin Franke was in attendance along with their two oldest children, according to People.
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Ruby Franke told her estranged husband Kevin that ending of their marriage is 'a tragedy'
According to KOMO News, Franke who directly addressed Kevin at one point said, "I take full accountability for my choices."
"You are the love of my life. The ending of our marriage is a tragedy," she reportedly told her estranged husband who filed for divorce from her in November 2023.
"My charges are just. They offer safety to my family, and accountability to the public," she added.
Inside Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt's downfall
In 2015, Franke became popular on YouTube after she and Kevin began chronicling their life, often sharing their experience of raising six children.
However, she was slammed online for her abusive parenting style which was brought to light following her arrest in August 2023.
The former vlogger, who gave parenting advice on the platform, shut down her YouTuber channel and later started a controversial podcast titled 'Moms of Truth' alongside former sex therapist Hildebrandt who also founded the religious-based social media network 'ConneXions.'
Both Franke and Hildebrandt who received criticism online for their conventional methods of parenting were taken into custody in August 2023. Both women were charged with felony child abuse.
The arrest comes after authorities received a report of a "juvenile asking for help."
Authorities, who arrived at Hildebrandt's home in Ivins, Utah, discovered Franke’s two youngest children “emaciated” and malnourished with physical wounds on their bodies.
"The juvenile was asking for food and water," read a press release issued by the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department in August 2023.
According to investigators, the 12-year-old boy and his 10-year-old sister were found in a "similar physical condition" of malnourishment.
Both the children and Franke's two other younger children were transported to the hospital and later, they were placed under the care of the Department of Child and Family Services.
