Ruby Franke’s estranged husband has publicly called for a Utah judge to put her and business partner Jodi Hildebrandt in jail, as the pair face 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts each of child abuse.
Franke, 42 ran a YouTube channel named U Passengers alongside Hildebrandt, 54, for several years.
Who Blew The Whistle?
The whistle was blown on their abuse when one of Ruby’s children escaped from a home owned by Hildebrandt and went to a neighbor to ask for food and water with duct tape around his ankle and wrists.
Found Guilty
The pair pleaded guilty in late December and with sentencing set for Tuesday, husband Kevin – who has previously demanded Hildebrandt pay for their children’s medical treatment – is calling for them to see jail time.
Statement From Prosecution
‘We trust the judge to sentence them both to 1-15 years for each of the four counts, to run consecutively, and then let the Utah State Board of Pardons decide if that should be shortened or other conditions imposed,’ his attorney said in a statement.
‘The treatment these children received at the hands of those whom the children had a right to trust, was horrific and inhumane, both physically and psychologically,’ the lawyer added to Law & Crime.
‘Kevin remains focused on the rehabilitation of these sweet and vulnerable children so that they might return to a normal life as soon as possible.’
As it is
Franke’s husband has filed for divorce.
Both Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, a second-degree felony.
The pair each face anywhere from four to 60 years in prison – one to 15 per count – but the max either one will spend in prison is 30.
