Ruby Franke sentenced to 4 to 60 years in prison for child abuse, says she will unlearn 'toxic behaviour'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ruby Franke, who gave parenting advice on YouTube, has been sentenced to four consecutive one to 15-year prison time, amounting to a total of a 60-year jail term for child abuse.

The judge ordered the former YouTuber to serve a prison sentence of four to 60 years during a February 20 hearing following her arrest on child abuse charges in August 2023.

Ruby Franke says she's 'humbled and willing' to serve a prison sentence

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole will determine the exact duration of Franke's time behind bars.

During her court appearance, the momfluencer, who was emotional at the time, told Judge John Walton that she is "humbled and willing to serve a prison sentence."

"I am committed to unlearning my toxic behavior," she added.

On February 20, Franke's business partner Jodi Hildebrandt was also ordered by the judge to serve a four to 60-year prison sentence.

What led to Ruby Franke's arrest over child abuse?

In December 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse.

The vlogger who shares six children with her estranged husband Kevin Franke was arrested after Utah authorities received a report of a "juvenile asking for help."

"The calling party stated the juvenile appeared to be emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities," read a press release issued by the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department in August 2023.

"The juvenile was asking for food and water," the statement added.

According to dispatchers, the young person was transported to a local hospital as the condition was so severe.

Authorities, who arrived at the child's residence, found another minor in a similar condition of malnourishment and were shifted to the hospital.

Officials searched the home after obtaining a warrant and found evidence "consistent with the markings found on the juvenile," as per the release.

While Franke and Hildebrandt were taken into custody, the four minor children were placed in the care of the Department of Child and Family Services, according to E! News.

Hildebrandt who was also a mental health counselor pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse in December 2023.

In November 2023, Franke's husband filed for divorce from her two months after he denied any involvement in the child abuse case.

On September 6, 2023, Kevin's lawyer addressed the divorce on 'Good Morning America.'

"He is a good person, he's very gentle. He's a very gentle guy. And no one has ever made any allegations that he's physically abused those kids or anyone else," said his lawyer.