A family counselor named Jodie Hildebrandt, who had connections with popular vlogger Ruby Franke, was involved in appalling abuse towards Franke’s children. Franke, known for her family vlogs online, met Hildebrandt through their shared Mormon church community, forming a close friendship. Hildebrandt, aged 56, was a respected figure in the Mormon church and ran a life coaching business.
In 2019, their bond deepened, leading to Hildebrandt becoming a prominent figure in Franke and her children’s lives. However, this relationship took a dark turn, culminating in severe abuse inflicted on Franke’s two youngest children. The extent of Hildebrandt’s complicity in the abuse was uncovered in the Netflix documentary “Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story” after Franke’s 12-year-old son sought help from a neighbor, revealing the harrowing conditions he and his sister endured.
Franke, aged 43, faced criticism for her parenting techniques showcased in her YouTube videos, which included harsh punishments for her children. This led to Child Protective Services being alerted in 2020 due to concerns about her treatment of her children. Franke’s abusive behavior escalated, with her youngest children subjected to extreme physical and emotional torment, including denial of food, forced physical tasks, and being labeled as “evil and possessed.”
Following Franke’s arrest, her four minor children were placed under the care of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, with Kevin Franke, their father, eventually gaining full custody. Both Franke and Hildebrandt were convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their crimes. Franke expressed regret in court, acknowledging her distorted reality and the harm she inflicted on her children.
The eldest children, Shari and Chad, distanced themselves from their mother after the abuse came to light. Shari, now 22, authored a memoir detailing her experiences, while Chad, now 20, pursued a career in real estate. The identities of the children remain undisclosed to protect their privacy.