The internet star, facing multiple charges of aggravated child abuse, disclosed through Winward that she intends to plead guilty at the Washington County 5th District Court in Utah on Monday.
YouTube sensation Ruby Franke and her legal counsel, LaMar Winward, have emerged from silence concerning the allegations against her
Ruby Franke’s associate and mental health expert, Jodi Hildebrant, also faces similar charges but has yet to enter a plea. The charges stem from an incident involving Ruby Franke’s 12-year-old son, who fled to a neighbor’s house from Hildebrandt’s residence, revealing instances of abuse.
Authorities from the Santa Clara-Ivins police revealed distressing conditions reports detailed the children’s emaciation, malnourishment, wounds, and the use of duct tape on their extremities. The subsequent search of the premises uncovered Franke’s 10-year-old daughter in a similar state. All of Ruby Franke’s minor children were placed under state care following the distressing discoveries.
Reports obtained by ABC News indicated Hildebrandt’s alleged use of cayenne pepper and honey to treat the children’s wounds
Both Franke and Hildebrandt have been in custody since their arrests. In a statement, Winward portrayed Franke as a dedicated mother on a constant journey of self-improvement, claiming she fell victim to manipulation. He described how Hildebrandt allegedly isolated Franke from her family, leading to a distorted sense of morality.
Since her confinement, Ruby Franke’s legal team asserts she’s been introspective, aiming to recalibrate her moral compass and acknowledge her actions’ gravity. They claim she’s actively reaching out to family members to mend relationships and contribute positively to her family’s healing journey.
Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt were partners in ConneXions, an organization emphasizing personal growth through honesty and responsibility. Ruby Franke, known for the now-defunct YouTube channel “8 Passengers,” had offered parenting advice.
Notably, Kevin Franke, Ruby’s husband, filed for divorce recently, asserting separation from her for over a year and claiming ignorance of the alleged abuse. Attorneys for Hildebrandt and Kevin Franke have yet to respond to media requests for comment.
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