Former YouTube parenting advice influencer Ruby Franke has pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse after starving two of her children. Franke, who ran the channel "8 Passengers" and had nearly 2.3 million subscribers, had been criticized for the harsh punishments she imposed on her children. She was arrested in August after her emaciated 12-year-old son escaped from her business partner's home and sought help from a neighbor. The child showed signs of being restrained with duct tape. Franke's 10-year-old daughter was also found in a malnourished state at the partner's house. Franke pleaded guilty to the charges in court, expressing regret and sorrow for her actions. The judge accepted a plea agreement and scheduled sentencing for February 20. Franke's lawyer acknowledged that prison time is a possibility. Franke's lawyer stated that she was influenced by her partner, who led her down a path of distorted morality and isolated her from her family. The partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, was also arrested and will not see patients until the allegations are addressed. Meanwhile, Franke's husband has filed for divorce. The abuse was discovered after Franke's son escaped from Hildebrandt's home with duct tape on his wrists and ankles, and sought help from a neighbor. He was taken to the hospital, as was his sister. Four of Franke's children are now in state custody. Viewers had been calling out Franke's parenting style for years, with one video about her 6-year-old forgetting her lunch facing backlash. Franke stated in the video that her daughter should feel the “pain” of hunger as a lesson. Franke's YouTube channel, which focused on parenting style and discipline, ended after seven years.