A Utah mother of six, Ruby Franke, has pleaded guilty to child abuse charges after trying to convince her two youngest children that they were evil and possessed. Franke, who offered parenting advice on YouTube, appeared in court wearing gray and white jail clothing, expressing regret for her actions. The plea agreement revealed shocking details of the abuse inflicted upon the children, who endured physical tasks, isolation, deprivation of food and water, as well as psychological torment.

The sentencing is scheduled for February 20, and Franke has agreed to serve a prison term. The charges carry a potential sentence of one to 15 years in prison as per Utah law. Sentencing will ultimately be determined by Judge John J. Walton.

While Franke pleaded guilty to her first three charges, she pleaded not guilty to the remaining two counts. She was returned to custody following the hearing. The abuse occurred while Franke was under the influence of a relationship counselor, who led her down a "distorted sense of morality," according to a statement by Winward Law, Franke's legal team.

The plea agreement revealed the extent of the torture Franke inflicted upon her son, which spanned from May 22 to August 30. He was forced into physically demanding tasks, subjected to severe sunburns, denied proper meals, and isolated without any access to reading materials or electronics. Additionally, Franke admitted to kicking her son while wearing boots, holding his head underwater, and smothering his mouth and nose. Shockingly, the agreement stated that Franke told her son that these acts of abuse were acts of love.

Franke also admitted to abusing her 9-year-old daughter, forcing her to work outside, run on dirt roads barefoot, and depriving her of food and water. Like her brother, the daughter was repeatedly told that she was evil and possessed, and that these punishments were necessary for obedience and repentance.

The arrest of Franke and her co-defendant, Jodi Hildebrandt, took place on August 30, after Franke's 12-year-old son managed to escape from Hildebrandt's house and seek help from a neighbor. The boy was found emaciated and bound with duct tape around his ankles and wrists. Franke's daughter was also discovered at the same location. Both children were immediately taken to the hospital, while Franke's four youngest children were placed into state custody.

Franke's attorney stated that during her incarceration, she has been engaged in deep introspection, reflecting on her actions and taking responsibility. Hildebrandt, on the other hand, has agreed not to see patients until the allegations are addressed by state licensing officials.

The court hearing for Hildebrandt is scheduled for December 27. As this shocking case unfolds, the focus remains on seeking justice for the children involved and ensuring their safety and well-being in the future.