Photo:8 Passengers / YouTube
8 Passengers / YouTube
Shortly before the former YouTube vlogger wassentenced to 4 to 60 years in prisonfor child abuse on Feb. 20, 2024, Kevin’s attorney Randy Kester spoke withLaw & Crimeabout her sentencing.
“The treatment these children received at the hands of those whom the children had a right to trust, was horrific and inhumane, both physically and psychologically,” Kester told the publication. “Kevin remains focused on the rehabilitation of these sweet and vulnerable children so that they might return to a normal life as soon as possible.”
The couple gained public attention through their YouTube channel “8Passengers,” which portrayed their strict parenting style towards their shared six kids.
“Finally,” Shari wrote on the platform alongside a photo of police at the house.“Today has been a big day," Shari wrote on Instagram. “Me and my family are so glad justice is being served. We’ve been trying to tell the police and CPS for years about this, and so glad they finally decided to step up.”
Moms of Truth/ Instagram
8Passengerseventually came under scrutinyaround 2020 when followers began to grow worried about the Mormon family’s strict household. Numerous peoplesigned an online petitionasking child protective services to investigate the Franke family.
Kevin was featured in many of the YouTube videos, including one where he appears to “support the decision to send their son, then 14, to the Anasazi Foundation Wilderness Therapy Program,” according toToday.
In the clip, Kevin said, “(What) many of you are criticizing or calling abusive are actually things that mental health professionals have counseled us to.”
Ron Chaffin/St. George News via AP
Promising on her website to “help you flourish in your relationships,” Hildebrandt offered marital and parenting counseling to “dispose of distortion’s ugly lies in order to live in Truth, connection, and freedom.”
During counseling, Hildebrandtsuggested that the couple separateto save their marriage, Kester previously told PEOPLE. Kevin has sincefiled for divorce,moved out and stoppedcommunicating with his familyat Hildebrandt’s direction.
During an interview withGood Morning Americain September 2023, Kevin’s lawyer Kester described his client as a “very gentle” person who had no role in his children’s abuse. “No one’s ever made any allegations that he’s ever physically abused those kids or anyone else,” Kester said.
When speaking toTodaythat same month, Kester said that Kevin was currently working on mending his relationship with his children.
“[Kevin] is making an effort to rebuild andbridge these relationships rather than sling mudand point fingers,” he told the outlet. “He is focused on doing what is best for his kids at this point, even if that means undergoing some introspection.”
He filed for divorce in November 2023
source: people.com
