SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah mother of six, known for her parenting advice on a once-popular YouTube channel, tearfully apologized to her children for physical and emotional abuse before being sentenced to up to 60 years in prison. The mother expressed gratitude to local authorities and professionals for intervening to protect her children from her harmful behavior.
The mother and her business partner, a mental health counselor, were both sentenced to up to 60 years for aggravated child abuse. They had tried to convince the mother's two youngest children that they were evil and needed punishment to repent. The abuse was discovered when one of the children escaped and sought help from a neighbor.
The children were found in a distressing state, with injuries and restraints. The environment in which they were kept was likened to a 'concentration camp-like setting' by the state prosecutor. The mother has shown remorse and cooperated with authorities, while her partner has not fully accepted responsibility for her actions.
The mother, who gained fame through her YouTube channel, admitted to abusive acts such as kicking her son and subjecting him to harsh physical labor. Her partner coerced the mother's youngest daughter to endure painful punishments as well. The children were eventually taken into state custody for their protection.
Prior to their arrests, the mother was a controversial figure in the parenting vlogging community, facing criticism for certain disciplinary methods. The YouTube channel she shared with her husband has since ended, and he has filed for divorce. Both individuals have the option to appeal their sentences within 30 days.
