Ruby Frank update: TikTokers crash virtual court hearing before YouTube influencer held in jail

Mother of six appeared alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt accused of abusing and starving her children

The disturbing details of Ruby Franke’s child abuse allegations

YouTube parenting influncer Ruby Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were supposed to appear in court in St George, Utah on Friday afternoon over child abuse charges, but the proceeding was delayed as tech issues plagued the virtual hearing.

Both women were ordered to be held without bail; their bond hearings are slated for 21 September. Ms Franke has reportedly been relocated to the medical unit of the jail, but the reasons for her move are unclear.

Over 1,000 people tuned into the hearing and after a cacophony of bizarre noises and pleas to be quiet, the court shut down public access. It transpired later the Zoom link had been shared on TikTok.

The pair were arrested on 30 August after Ms Franke’s 12-year-old son climbed out of a window and pleaded for neighbors to give him food and water, court documents showed.

After a neighbor noticed that duct tape covering the boy’s ankles and wrists, prompting the neighbor to notify law enforcement. In a chilling 911 call, the neighbor can be heard describing the boy: “He is emaciated. He’s got tape around his legs. He’s hungry and he’s thirsty.”

Key points

• YouTube influencer and mother of six charged with six felony counts of aggravated child abuse
• Ruby Franke will appear in court on Friday alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt
• Arrests were made after 12-year-old child escaped house and begged neighbour for food and water
• In shocking 911 call the neighbour describes child as bound in duct tape and “covered in wounds"

[12 September 2023 07:00 · Andrea Cavallier]

How did Ruby Franke, a mother who used to give parental advice, come to be arrested for alleged child abuse?

How did a family friendly channel turn into something potentially sinister?

Here’s what we know about the child abuse scandal plaguing YouTube family 8 passengers. Faiza Saqib reports

[12 September 2023 09:00 · Andrea Cavallier]

Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt ran self improvement program before their arrest

Before the two women were arrested on child neglect charges, they ran a self-improvement program called ConneXions.

The program, which uses workbooks and podcasts, aims to “help treat those lost and stranded in the darkness of distortion,” according to its website.

The company YouTube account has since been deleted.

[12 September 2023 11:00 · Andrea Cavallier]

What happened to Ruby Franke’s children?

Two of Franke’s children were taken to a hospital for medical treatment, according to court documents.

Those children, along with Franke’s other children, were placed into the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

[12 September 2023 13:00 · Andrea Cavallier]

ICYMI: Ruby Franke’s husband Kevin not involved, is a ‘good person,’ lawyer says

Ruby Franke’s husband Kevin was not arrested but thw whereabouts on the day his wife was taken into custody remains unknown.

His lawyer Randy Kester, appeared on Good Morning America on 6 September where he said his client played no role in the allegations.

“He is a good person. He is very gentle,” Mr Kester said. “And no one’s ever made any allegations that he’s ever physically abused those kids, or anyone else.”

“He just wants to do what’s best for his kids, get them back, get them under his tutelage and his fathership and protect them.”

[12 September 2023 14:00 · Andrea Cavallier]

Where is Ruby Franke now?

Both Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt experienced medical issues while behind bars after being arrested last week on child neglect charges.

Hildebrandt had a “life-threatening” medical issue while at the Washington County Jail and had to be hospitalised The Salt Lake Tribune reported citing court documents.

Ms Franke has reportedly been relocated to the medical unit of the jail. She is now back in general population, it’s been reported.

Their attorneys filed a motion requesting an expedited detention hearing for both women on 14 September since “it is believed both cases should be heard at the same time.”

Their hearing is still set for 21 September.