The estranged husband of family YouTuber Ruby Franke has filed a lawsuit against Jodi Hildebrandt, the counselor who, along with Franke, pleaded guilty to abusing their children. The lawsuit alleges Hildebrandt played a key role in the horrific abuse, manipulating Kevin Franke and isolating him from his children.
Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt in court. (Scripps News Salt Lake City)
In December 2023, Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were sentenced to 4-60 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of child abuse. Kevin Franke, the children’s father, was not charged and maintains he was unaware of the abuse. He has since filed for divorce.
The Lawsuit: Allegations of Manipulation and Abuse
Kevin Franke’s lawsuit, filed in February 2024, accuses Hildebrandt of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. He seeks an unspecified amount in damages. The suit details the horrific abuse the children endured, providing a deeper look into the events that transpired within Hildebrandt’s Ivins, Utah home.
According to the lawsuit, Hildebrandt, acting as the couple’s marriage counselor, encouraged Kevin Franke to move out of the family home, effectively isolating him from his children. Unbeknownst to Kevin, Ruby Franke then moved their children into Hildebrandt’s Ivins residence around May 22, 2023.
Horrific Details of Child Abuse Emerge
The lawsuit outlines the brutal treatment two of the Franke children, R.F. and E.F., then aged 11 and 9 respectively, suffered at the hands of their mother and Hildebrandt. The children were frequently confined to a room or the basement, forbidden from leaving the property under threat of punishment.
R.F. was subjected to grueling physical labor, including wall sits, carrying heavy boxes up and down stairs, and working outdoors without shoes or water. Following an escape attempt, he was often bound with handcuffs and ropes, sometimes in a “hogtied” fashion, leading to injuries to his wrists and ankles.
Illustrative example of a hogtie restraint. (Wikimedia Commons)
E.F. endured similar abuse, forced to run barefoot on dirt roads and even coerced into jumping into cacti multiple times.
The Impact of the Abuse
Kevin Franke’s lawsuit highlights the devastating psychological impact of the abuse on his children. He asserts that their “personalities, emotions, and psyches were so damaged” that professional intervention was necessary for their recovery. The suit also emphasizes the emotional distress Kevin himself suffered.
Hildebrandt’s Assets and the Future of the Case
Jodi Hildebrandt’s assets, including the $5 million Ivins home where the abuse occurred, are mentioned in the lawsuit. This raises questions about potential compensation for the victims.
A gavel, symbolizing legal proceedings. (Wikimedia Commons)
The lawsuit is ongoing, and its outcome remains to be seen. It sheds light on the devastating consequences of child abuse and the complex legal battles that can follow. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness when seeking professional help for families.
Seeking Justice and Healing
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the Franke children and their path to recovery. The lawsuit represents Kevin Franke’s attempt to hold Jodi Hildebrandt accountable for her alleged role in the abuse and to secure resources to support his children’s healing. This case underscores the lasting impact of child abuse and the importance of seeking justice for victims.
