Last Thursday, RTM reported that “prominent parenting and lifestyle influencers,” Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested on August 30 on child abuse charges.
Their arrest followed the recent upload of a video to their ConneXions YouTube channel — the video focused on victimhood and responsibility.
Days later, Santa Clara police in Utah received a 911 call at approximately 10:50 p.m.
Responding officers discovered a malnourished and emaciated juvenile with “open wounds and duct tape around the extremities.”
A search of the residence led to the discovery of five more children.
On Sept. 6, Page Six reported that Hildebrandt and Franke have been charged with four additional counts of aggravated child abuse.
Hildebrandt and Franke are to appear in court on Sept. 8.
A press release from the Washington County Attorney’s Office noted that “each defendant is accused of causing or permitting serious physical injury to the victims in three different ways: (1) a combination of multiple physical injuries or torture, (2) starvation or malnutrition that jeopardizes life, and (3) causing severe emotional harm.”
E! News reported that Hildebrandt and Franke both face at least six felony charges with each count carrying a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
NBC News reported that a probable cause affidavit alleged that Franke’s 12-year-old son was found emaciated and with open wounds and duct tape on his wrists and ankles by law enforcement after he climbed out of a window at Hildebrandt’s house and went to a neighbor’s home for help.
A press release shared by the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Dept. noted that Franke’s son escaped and was searching “for food and water.”
Page Six reported the Frankes share Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell and Eve.
Previously, fans raised concerns about Franke’s treatment of her children, which included refusing to bring her 6-year-old daughter’s lunch to school. Franke dismissed concerns as coming from “malicious” followers.
Ruby’s sister Bonnie Hoellein stated in a video that the allegations against her sister have tested her “belief in God.”
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