YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke, who admitted to aggravated child abuse of two of her children, received a sentencing on Tuesday, facing four consecutive prison terms of one to 15 years each, with the actual duration left to the discretion of the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

Franke was apprehended after her malnourished 12-year-old son, bound with duct tape and bearing open wounds, escaped from a window at the home of Jodi Hildebrandt, who had collaborated with Franke on parenting and relationship advice videos. The son sought help from a neighbor, sparking an investigation that led to Franke's arrest in August.

In December, Franke and her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt of Connexions Classroom, entered guilty pleas to four counts of child abuse in Washington County 5th District Court. Hildebrandt received identical sentencing following Franke.

According to the plea agreements, Franke and Hildebrandt confessed to causing or allowing severe physical harm to Franke's children between May and August 2023. The abuse involved Franke's son enduring physical torture, forced labor without proper protection from the elements, and emotional manipulation to coerce obedience. Another child suffered similar mistreatment, forced to work outdoors barefoot for extended periods. The children were consistently denied sufficient food and water and often lived with their wrists bound by duct tape or handcuffs.

Franke's attorneys expressed her remorse and acknowledgment of accountability for her actions. However, the prosecutor expressed concern about Hildebrandt's potential to influence others negatively, emphasizing the severity of the abuse.

Hildebrandt's influence on Franke appears to have been significant, as indicated by Franke's statements and the circumstances of the case. Franke mentioned feeling systematically isolated by Hildebrandt, which contributed to her adopting a distorted sense of morality and parenting approach. It's suggested that Franke became a follower of Hildebrandt, who may have exerted considerable influence over her beliefs and actions, leading to the adoption of extreme parenting methods and manipulation tactics.

Franke's attorney accepted the judge's decision, indicating Franke's readiness for a transformation during her incarceration.