Where is Ruby Franke now? How long was YouTuber jailed for as Devil In The Family docuseries airs on BBC

ONCE one of YouTube’s most recognisable “momfluencers”, Ruby Franke built an online empire by sharing the intimate details of her family’s life with millions. Now, her shocking fall from grace is the focus of an acclaimed three-part true-crime docuseries Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, available on the BBC. Ruby Franke during a virtual court appearance in September 2023 Credit: AP Between 2015 and 2022, Franke amassed more than 2.5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel Credit: Instagram/ moms_of_truth Here is everything you need to know about where Ruby Franke is today, what led to her conviction, her sentence, and how to watch the series. What’s the story behind the Devil in the Family? Between 2015 and 2022, Ruby Franke and her husband Kevin amassed more than 2.5 million subscribers on their YouTube channel, 8 Passengers. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! The family made lucrative earnings posting daily videos showing their Mormon home life and strict parenting routines in Springville, Utah. But behind the polished, ultra-bright camera setups lay a disturbing reality. Franke fell under the influence of counsellor Jodi Hildebrandt, leading to an increasingly extreme, cult-like household environment where children were subjected to severe discipline, isolation, and religious fanaticism. The truth broke in August 2023, when Franke’s 12-year-old son climbed out of a window at Hildebrandt’s home and ran to a neighbour’s house begging for food and water. He was severely emaciated, covered in open wounds, and had duct tape wrapped around his ankles and wrists. When police investigated, they found Franke’s 10-year-old daughter in a similarly starved state. Most read in News TV Investigators found the pair had withheld food, forced the children into brutal physical labour in extreme heat, and claimed the children were “possessed” by evil spirits and required punishment. How long were they sentenced for? In December 2023, Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of felony aggravated child abuse. In February 2024, she was handed four consecutive prison terms of 1 to 15 years for each count. While four 15-year terms add up to 60 years, Utah state law imposes a maximum cap of 30 years for consecutive prison sentences. It’s possible that she will one day be released, but the exact date of her potential freedom rests with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole. Under Utah sentencing guidelines, Franke must serve a mandatory minimum of 4 years behind bars. Her first official parole hearing is scheduled for later this year in December. At the hearing, parole officials will evaluate her behaviour, prison record, and mental health evaluations. Where is Ruby Franke now? Ruby Franke is behind bars serving her sentence at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF), located roughly 14 miles from Salt Lake City. Franke (offender number 262747) is housed within the women’s general population unit, known as Dell. Her former business partner and co-defendant, life coach Jodi Hildebrandt, is locked up in the same prison facility. But prison officials maintain strict separation policies to keep the pair apart. While both reside in the same unit, one is kept on the “high side” and the other on the “low side”, ensuring they have no contact with each other while serving their time. How to watch Devil in the Family Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke airs on BBC Two on Thursdays, starting July 23. It’s broadcast at 9pm each week, although it is already available to stream in full on BBC iPlayer. The docuseries features exclusive interviews with Franke’s eldest children, as well as her ex-husband, alongside over 1,000 hours of unseen home footage. Comment now