In a shocking turn of events, Jodi Hildebrandt, a mental health counselor, and her business partner, parenting advice blogger Ruby Franke, have pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated child abuse. The charges stem from the physical and emotional abuse inflicted upon Franke's children, which was concealed behind their popular YouTube channel and social media accounts.

Ruby Franke, a mother of six, gained fame through her YouTube channel called "8 Passengers," where she documented her family life. Alongside her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, they worked together at ConneXions Classroom, a counseling company owned by Hildebrandt. The duo conducted parenting seminars, launched another YouTube channel, and shared content on their joint Instagram account, "Moms of Truth." They presented themselves as parenting role models, offering advice and promoting honest lifestyles to their followers.

However, the truth behind the scenes was far from the image they projected. On August 30, Franke's 12-year-old son managed to escape from Hildebrandt's house in Ivins, Utah. The boy, visibly thin and covered in wounds, sought help from a neighbor who immediately called the police. Shockingly, the child had duct tape wrapped around his ankles and wrists, and he revealed to investigators that Hildebrandt had tied ropes around his limbs and used cayenne pepper and honey to treat his cuts, according to a search warrant.

Jodi Hildebrandt's attorney, Douglas Terry, stated that his client decided to plead guilty to the charges to spare Franke's children from having to testify. He emphasized that Hildebrandt takes full responsibility for her actions and is primarily concerned with the children's physical and emotional healing.

Both women were arrested at Hildebrandt's residence and faced six felony counts of aggravated child abuse. However, as part of their plea deals, Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts, while Franke pleaded guilty to four of her six charges and not guilty to the remaining two during a hearing on December 18. Each count carries a prison sentence ranging from one to 15 years, which could potentially run consecutively.

Judge John J. Walton has set a sentencing date for February 20, where the prison terms for both women will be decided. Franke and Hildebrandt have agreed to serve prison sentences, acknowledging the gravity of their actions. The judge will carefully consider the details of the case before handing down their sentences, ensuring that justice is served and the children are given the opportunity to heal both physically and emotionally.