Ruby Franke's case could wrap with plea deal as her defense sets sites on Jodi Hildebrandt

Publish date: 2024-05-03

YouTuber Ruby Franke, creator of the now-defunct 8 Passengers, is scheduled to be in a southern Utah courtroom today - and is expected to enter a plea deal in an aggravated child abuse case involving her children and her business partner.

Franke has been charged with six counts of felony child abuse and has been in custody at the Purgatory Correctional Facility in Hurricane since Aug. 30, when she and fellow YouTuber Jodi Hildebrandt were arrested.

In a statement Friday, Franke's attorneys said she wants to resolve the matter quickly and planned to agree to the deal during Monday's waiver hearing.

The exact terms of the plea deal have not yet been released, though it appears the defense is poised to provide material for the state's case against Hildebrandt.

In Friday's statement, defense attorneys accused the ConneXions Classroom founder of taking advantage of Franke's family ambition and "(twisting) it into something heinous."

"Ruby Franke is a devoted mother and is also a woman committed to constant improvement," according to the statement from Winward Law. "Initially, Ms. Franke believed that Jodi Hildebrandt had the insight to offer a path to continual improvement."

Hildebrandt's ConneXions Classroom is an education program that promises to heal "destructive behaviors" through three core principles: "impeccable honesty," "rigorous personal responsibility" and "humility," according to the mental health organization's website.

It's a program that panned extensively in a website dedicated to Hildebrandt's behaviors as a licensed counselor, which includes reviews that allege her tactics perpetuate the destruction of personal relationships.

Winward Law stated that Hildebrandt "systematically isolated" Franke from her husband, her adult daughter, and her extended family.

"This prolonged isolation resulted in Ms. Franke being subjected to a distorted sense of morality, shaped by Ms. Hildebrandt’s influence," according to Franke's attorneys, who added that her time in the Washington County jail has given her the opportunity to "reset her moral compass."

"Ms. Franke is committed to taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration," according to Winward Law. "Demonstrating a sincere dedication to personal growth and rehabilitation, she has actively begun the process by reaching out to members of her family. Through heartfelt apologies, she seeks to mend relationships and contribute positively to the healing journey of her family."

State prosecutors have not yet confirmed if any of the six counts of second-degree felony child abuse charges would be dropped as part of the deal, and if so, how many.

It was unclear if any type of plea deal was on the table for Hildebrandt, who recently surrendered her license as a mental health counselor in the wake of her arrest.

Hildebrandt's attorneys had not commented on Franke's forthcoming plea deal as of 9 a.m. Monday.

The waiver hearing is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. The judge has ordered that the proceedings cannot be live streamed.

Both women have had their entire libraries of content removed from YouTube and multiple other social media platforms.

Winward Law full statement

Winward Law is making a statement on behalf of Ruby Franke regarding the pending charges in the Washington County 5th District Court along with her thoughts about her current family situation. Our client is working with the prosecutor’s office and anticipates resolving this matter quickly by entering a plea agreement with the court on Monday, December 18th.Ruby Franke is a devoted mother and is also a woman committed to constant improvement. Initially, Ms. Franke believed that Jodi Hildebrant had the insight to offer a path to continual improvement. Ms. Hildebrant took advantage of this quest and twisted it into something heinous. Over an extended period, Ms. Hildebrant systematically isolated Ruby Franke from her extended family, older children, and her husband, Kevin Franke. This prolonged isolation resulted in Ms. Franke being subjected to a distorted sense of morality, shaped by Ms. Hildebrandt’s influence.During Ruby Franke’s incarceration in Washington County jail over the past few months, she has actively engaged in an introspection that has allowed her to reset her moral compass and understand the full weight of her actions. Ms. Franke is committed to taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration. Demonstrating a sincere dedication to personal growth and rehabilitation, she has actively begun the process by reaching out to members of her family. Through heartfelt apologies, she seeks to mend relationships and contribute positively to the healing journey of her family.Ruby is aware that Kevin Franke has filed for divorce. While she is devastated by this news, she acknowledges and understands his anger and reasoning. Despite the pain, she respects his decisions and remains hopeful that, with time, she can contribute to rebuilding trust and fostering understanding within their family. Ruby has offered her full cooperation to help the children reunite with their father.Winward Law recognizes the profound love that Ms. Franke holds for her children, and we are genuinely saddened that she found herself on this challenging path under the influence of Ms. Hildebrant. It is our firm belief that Ms. Franke is a devoted mother who, unfortunately, was led astray. She is sincere in her commitment to securing the best possible future for her family, and we remain hopeful that, with the right support and understanding, she can navigate a path of healing and growth.

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