Ruby Franke’s oldest daughter Shari captioned "Finally" a picture of police outside their home. Ruby’s influencer sisters also said that the arrest was "needed."

A mother who has amassed over 2 million YouTube subscribers thanks to her family-friendly content was arrested for child abuse.

Ruby Franke, who was the YouTube host of 8 Passengers until she shut it down in January amid criticism, and her podcasting companion Jodi Hildebrand have been taken into custody this morning by Utah police. The two have been charged with aggravated abuse of children.

The Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department reported that a citizen called the police on Wednesday after a child appeared "emaciated" and "malnourished" when he climbed out a window of Hildebrand's house. The caller stated that the child was "emaciated and malnourished" with open wounds.

The release stated that "the condition of the youth was so severe, they were transported to a hospital in the local area by Santa Clara Ivins EMS." Police searched the house after receiving information that other "in similar conditions" might be in the home. They found "another child in a similar condition of malnutrition."

The child was also treated in hospital.

After obtaining a warrant for a search, the Public Safety Department stated that "evidence consistent with the markings on the juvenile was located" -- and that four minors had been placed in the Department of Child and Family Services' care. Fox13 Now reports that Franke appeared in a YouTube video taken at the house just a few days before. Police said the footage was "evidence of Ms. Franke being present and having knowledge about the abuse, malnourishment, and neglect."

Shari Franke, Franke's oldest child, posted a reaction to her mother's arrest on her Instagram Story Wednesday night.

She wrote "Finally" over a picture that appeared to show police outside her family's home. Shari, whose Insider says she has been "cut-off" from her mom for some time now, shared a second message that read, "Today was a big day." My family and I are thrilled that justice has been served. "We've tried to tell police and CPS about this for years, and are so happy they finally decided to take action."

She said that although her siblings are "safe," "there is a long way ahead" of them.

Shari is the youngest of Ruby Franke and her husband Kevin Franke. They are also parents to Chad and Abby. All of the family members appeared in videos for 8 Passengers, which was launched in 2015 and shut down earlier this year. Insider reports that Franke's parenting was criticised by viewers as abusive. Some of her comments, too, were considered offensive. After the 8 passengers channel was removed, Franke and Hildebrand started their ConneXions Podcast, which also received criticism.

Ruby's three sisters, who have a combined two million YouTube subscribers and are themselves influencers, released a statement saying that the arrest was "necessary."

They wrote: "For the sake of Ruby Franke's children, we have been silent for the past 3 years." Behind the scenes, we did everything possible to ensure the safety of the children.

They continued, "Ruby's arrest was something that needed to occur." They continued, "Jodi's arrest was necessary." "The kids are safe now, and that is our number one priority."

Franke and Hildebrandt are yet to comment on the arrests.

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Title: Family YouTube Star Arrested for Abuse After Report of 'Emaciated' Child with Duct Tape Asks for Help
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/08/31/ruby-franke-youtube-arrest-child-abuse/
Published Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2023 22:24:35 +0000

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