Current:Home > ContactCharles H. Sloan-YouTuber Ruby Franke Sentenced to 4 to 60 Years in Prison for Child Abuse -Infinite Edge Learning
Charles H. Sloan-YouTuber Ruby Franke Sentenced to 4 to 60 Years in Prison for Child Abuse
Ethermac Exchange View
Date:2025-04-08 21:48:14
Content warning: This story discusses child abuse.
Ruby Franke continues to face the legal repercussions of her crimes.
The former YouTuber,Charles H. Sloan who gave parenting advice on the platform before being arrested on child abuse charges in August, was given four consecutive one to 15 year sentences (equal to four to 60 years) during a Feb. 20 hearing.
According to NBC News, Franke's exact time behind bars will be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
"I am humbled and willing to serve a prison sentence," Franke told Judge John Walton during her court appearance. "I understand this is going to take time."
Her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt also received a four to 60 year prison sentence on Feb. 20.
The judge's decision comes two months after Franke—who shares six kids with estranged husband Kevin Franke—plead guilty to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse.
Authorities in Utah announced Franke's arrest over the summer after a dispatch center received a report of a "juvenile asking for help."
"The calling party stated the juvenile appeared to be emaciated and malnourished, with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities," an Aug. 31 press release from the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department read. "The juvenile was asking for food and water."
Officials stated that the young person's condition was so severe that 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.
According to the release, authorities obtained a warrant and conducted a search of the home, finding evidence "consistent with the markings found on the juvenile."
At that point, four minor children were placed in the care of Department of Child and Family Services while Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested. In December, Hildebrandt—a mental health counselor—pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse, per court documents viewed by Today.
Following their arrests, a number of Franke's relatives 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 their Instagram accounts on Aug. 31. "Behind the public scene, we have done everything to try and make sure the kids were safe. We wouldn't feel right about moving forward with regular content without addressing the most recent events. Once we do, we will not be commenting on it any further."
"Ruby was arrested which needed to happen. Jodi was arrested which needed to happen," their message continued. "The kids are now safe, which is the number one priority."
Franke's husband officially filed for divorce from the former vlogger in late November, according to docs obtained by NBC News, two months after he denied any involvement in the abuse case.
"He is a good person, he's very gentle," his lawyer said on Good Morning America Sept. 6. "He's a very gentle guy. And no one has ever made any allegations that he's physically abused those kids or anyone else."
(NBC and E! News are part of the NBCUniversal family.)
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (49)
Related
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- RHOP's Karen Huger Reveals Health Scare in the Most Grand Dame Way Possible
- Biden and Xi are to meet next week. There is no detail too small to sweat
- Arab American comic Dina Hashem has a debut special — but the timing is 'tricky'
- Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
- Oklahoma trooper tickets Native American citizen, sparking outrage from tribal leaders
- Actors back. Pandas gone. WeBankrupt.
- Polish nationalists hold Independence Day march in Warsaw after voters reject their worldview
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- One year after liberation, Ukrainians in Kherson hold on to hope amid constant shelling
Ranking
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Deserve an Award for Their Sweet Reaction to Her 2024 Grammy Nomination
- Meet the 2024 Grammys Best New Artist Nominees
- Vivek Ramaswamy’s approach in business and politics is the same: Confidence, no matter the scenario
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Kansas City to hire 2 overdose investigators in face of rising fentanyl deaths
- Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh suspended by Big Ten as part of sign-stealing investigation
- Former Indiana legislator agrees to plead guilty to fraud in casino corruption scheme
Recommendation
Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
Negotiations said to be underway for 3-day humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza to let aid in, hostages out
Florida deputies struck intentionally by man driving car recovering after surgeries, sheriff says
Michigan awaits a judge’s ruling on whether Jim Harbaugh can coach the team against Penn State
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Grammy Awards announce 2024 nominations. Here's a full list of the nominees.
Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh suspended by Big Ten as part of sign-stealing investigation
Are banks open today or on Veterans Day? Is the post office closed? Here's what to know.