Ruby Franke gives tearful apology to children while being sentenced for child abuse.
Franke and Hildebrandt, known for their parenting advice on YouTube, were arrested last summer after a minor escaped from Hildebrandt’s home and sought help from a neighbor. Officials reported that the juvenile was in such severe condition that they had to be taken to a local hospital. When the police went to the child’s home, they found another minor in a similar state and also took them to the hospital.
Following the arrests of Franke and Hildebrandt, four minor children were placed in the care of the Department of Child and Family Services. In December, both Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse.
After the arrests, several of Franke’s family members, including sisters Ellie Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein, and Julie Deru, spoke out against her.
In a joint statement shared on Instagram in August, they said, “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. Ruby was arrested which needed to happen. Jodi was arrested which needed to happen. The kids are now safe, which is the number one priority.”
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