Franke, who rose to fame by giving parenting advice to followers on YouTube, and Hildebrandt were arrested last summer after a minor escaped from Hildebrandt’s house and sought a neighbor’s help. Officials stated at the time that the juvenile’s condition was so severe they were taken to a local hospital. After police went to the child’s home, they found another minor in a similar state of malnourishment and transported them to the hospital as well.
Ultimately, four minor children were placed in the care of Department of Child and Family Services following Franke and Hildebrandt arrests. In December, both Franke and Hildebrandt—a mental health counselor—pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse, according to court documents viewed by Today.
Following the pair’s arrests, a number of Franke’s family members spoke out against her, including sisters Ellie Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein and Julie Deru.
“For the last 3 years we have kept quiet on the subject of Ruby Franke for the sake of her children,” they wrote in a joint statement shared to Instagram in August. “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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