IVINS, UTAH: Ruby Franke, the 'momfluencer' who previously ran the '8 Passengers' YouTube channel along with her husband Kevin Franke, was taken into custody in Utah on Wednesday, August 31. She faces two counts of aggravated abuse charges.
The couple's YouTube channel, which is now defunct, amassed 2.5 million subscribers. The channel's content showcased their life with their six children, their parenting style, and focusing on their Mormon faith, as per Newsweek.
Who is Jodi Hildebrandt?
Critics claim Ruby promoted a harsh style of parenting in her now-deleted vlogs along with her collaborator and business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, who was also arrested on Wednesday, August 31.
Hildebrandt who creates advice videos along with Ruby is the founder of ConneXions, a controversial life counseling organization.
Disturbing discovery of Ruby Franke's alleged child abuse
Ruby's arrest came after law enforcement authorities received a distressing call on August 30, 2023, about a juvenile seeking help who was reportedly "emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duck tape around the extremities."
As per the statement issued by the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department department, a report on a juvenile in need of help came in around 10.50 am.
Reportedly, the young child, whose condition was quite severe, desperately asked for food and water.
Authorities shifted the child to Santa Clara Ivins EMS for urgent medical treatment soon after.
Another child, in a similar malnourished condition, was located by the authorities after their initial search of a nearby residence.
This juvenile was also immediately transported to the hospital.
Cops then obtained a search warrant for the property which resulted in the the removal of four minor children from the residence.
Franke and Hildebrandt were taken into custody while the children removed from the household were handed over to the Department of Child and Family Services.
The two women were also questioned about the nature of their activities and their involvement within the organization Connexion.
Who are Ruby and Kevin Franke's children?
Ruby and Kevin's six children are Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve and their upbringing and home-schooling has been a frequent topic of discussion on '8 Passengers'.
Ruby Franke's daughter reacts to arrest that shocked YouTube subscribers
Shari, Ruby's eldest child, issued a public statement following her arrest.
The 20-year-old took to Instagram to share a picture of what appeared to be her mother's arrest and captioned it "finally."
"Me and my family are so glad justice is being served," Shari commented.
In April, Shari revealed in a podcast interview that she had stopped being in contact with her mother following her associations and activities with the organization ConneXions.
Shari then made a list of allegations against Ruby and shared a Google Doc of the list. She also requested that her Instagram followers share any "questionable or concerning Connexions or 8passengers videos."
Among the allegations mentioned in the document included Ruby's declaration that as a form of punishment, she would not be giving Christmas presents to her two youngest children.
Her statement "pain is meant to be a teacher, it's your ally," was also included in the allegations.
