Court recommends pre-trial release for '8 Passengers' YouTuber Ruby Franke

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — A district court in Utah recommended the release of Ruby Franke, known for her '8 Passengers' YouTube channel, who was charged with six counts of second-degree felony child abuse, pending trial.

A public safety assessment report suggested Franke's release before trial with restrictions, including monthly check-ins by phone.

As of Wednesday, both Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, remained in custody at Washington County Jail but in separate areas.

Anonymous neighbors claimed they had tried to alert authorities for over a year about the alleged abuse before the arrests.

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The charges stemmed from allegations of severe child neglect and maltreatment in southern Utah.

According to the probable cause statement, two children in their care were found malnourished and one had injuries from being bound with duct tape and rope.

On Aug. 30, one of the children managed to escape from Hildebrandt's residence in Ivins and received help from a neighbor, court documents stated.

Officials said a crucial piece of evidence in the case involved a YouTube video posted by Hildebrandt, showing Franke in the home just two days before the escape, suggesting their awareness of the abuse.

In total, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services took custody of four children. The other two teenage children of Franke were found to be in good condition, police said.

Both women were booked into Washington County Jail on six counts of second-degree felony aggravated child abuse.

Their initial court appearance is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 8 at 1:30 pm.

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