Former YouTube Mom Franke sentenced to 4 to 60 years
In successive court proceedings on Tuesday, Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were handed down sentences of 4 to 60 years in prison, following convictions on four counts each of aggravated child abuse.
The incidents leading to the legal action unfolded when the 12-year-old Utah boy attempted to flee in July. His mother, Ruby Franke, a vlogger, resorted to restraining him by binding his hands and feet with two sets of handcuffs.
In a detailed 10-page plea agreement, Franke confessed to additional acts of abuse, including kicking her son, Russell, submerging his head under water, and obstructing his breathing by covering his mouth and nose with her hands.
Franke was sentenced to four separate prison terms ranging from 1 to 15 years, to be served consecutively.
The duration of each sentence will ultimately be determined by the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.
However, due to a Utah statute regarding consecutive sentences, neither woman will serve more than 30 years, as reported by Business Insider.
Jodi Hildebrandt, a therapist and former business partner of Franke’s who was accused of orchestrating the abuse, received an identical sentence after both women pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse.
Both defendants entered into plea agreements in December, admitting their culpability in the abuse and waiving their right to appeal.
As part of the agreement, two additional charges of aggravated child abuse against each woman were dropped.
During a December hearing, Franke, clad in prison attire, pleaded guilty to the remaining charges, expressing remorse for her actions.
Her legal team suggested that Hildebrandt had manipulated Franke’s desire for self-improvement for nefarious purposes.
Nearly two months later, Franke appeared in court for sentencing, foregoing a potentially sensational trial.
The proceedings shed light on the downfall of a woman who had risen to prominence by offering parenting advice to her sizable YouTube following of 2.5 million subscribers.
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