Despite their initial success as YouTubers and content creators, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt’s lives took a dark turn when they were arrested and charged with felony child abuse. The shocking incident occurred in 2023, leading to a series of legal proceedings and life-altering consequences for both individuals.
Ruby and her husband Kevin Franke started their popular 8 Passengers channel in 2015, showcasing their family life with their six children. However, things took a drastic turn when Ruby’s friend Jodi Hildebrandt entered the picture, prompting a rebranding into Moms of Truth to focus on faith-based content.
The arrest came after Ruby’s youngest son, aged 12 at the time, managed to escape from Hildebrandt’s home and seek help from a neighbor. Authorities discovered the child was malnourished and had been restrained with duct tape on his ankles and wrists.
In December 2023, Ruby pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse and confessed to torturing her children. As part of her plea deal, she agreed to serve a prison term with consecutive sentences and agreed to testify against Hildebrandt, who also pleaded guilty.
Following their arrests, Ruby and Hildebrandt faced legal repercussions and were sentenced to between 4 and 60 years in prison for their crimes. Due to a Utah law regarding consecutive sentences, they won’t serve more than 30 years each.
So, where are Ruby and Hildebrandt now?
How Did Jodi and Ruby Form a Friendship?
Jodi Hildebrandt, a Utah-based therapist, founded ConneXions, a program offering counseling services to individuals, including marital, parenting, and life counseling, primarily to fellow Mormons. Ruby and Hildebrandt became friends in 2019 through their church connections. They eventually started living together with Ruby’s children until their arrest.
How Were Jodi and Ruby Arrested?
In August 2023, Ruby’s 12-year-old son managed to escape Hildebrandt’s residence and seek help from a neighbor, leading to their arrest for aggravated child abuse. Both individuals pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse and received their respective sentencing.
Where Is Ruby Now?
Kevin Franke filed for divorce from Ruby and custody of their children after more than a year of separation prior to her arrest. The divorce was finalized in March 2025, with Kevin being granted custody of their children. Ruby is serving her sentence in prison and is prohibited from having contact with the children.
Additionally, Ruby agreed to keep the last name Franke and transfer properties to Kevin as part of the divorce settlement. The couple did not request alimony from each other, and Kevin has since remarried.
Where Is Jodi Now?
Jodi Hildebrandt is also serving her sentence at the Utah State Correctional Facility. Both Ruby and Hildebrandt have been banned from YouTube, and their channels have been deleted in light of their criminal convictions.
Their story serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of child abuse and the importance of accountability for one’s actions, even in the realm of social media and online fame.
Jodi Hildebrandt, a renowned counselor, had her counseling license frozen following her arrest in connection with a high-profile child abuse case involving YouTube star Ruby Franke. The case garnered significant media attention and left many wondering about the current status of their relationship.
In a surprising turn of events, a recording of Ruby’s call from prison revealed a shift in her perspective on Hildebrandt. Ruby expressed that the separation from Hildebrandt had been a transformative experience for her, stating, “This has been the strangest and the most miraculous intervention. It put everyone where they needed to be. It separated me from Jodi so I am not hearing her. I think not hearing her has cleared a lot of things up for me.”
Conversely, Hildebrandt’s prison audio recordings portrayed a different narrative, with her defending herself and suggesting that Ruby’s son “did that to himself” when discussing his injuries. The contrasting viewpoints highlighted the complexity of their relationship and the challenges they faced.
The case involving Ruby and Hildebrandt was extensively covered in various documentaries and films. Lifetime released a movie titled “Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story,” while Hulu produced a docuseries called “Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke.” Additionally, Investigation Discovery and Netflix also delved into the case with their respective series and documentary.
Despite the media frenzy surrounding their case, it is essential to remember the gravity of the situation. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, it is crucial to seek help immediately. Organizations like the Child Help Hotline (1-800-422-4453) provide support and resources for those in need.
As the story of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing child abuse in all its forms. The complexities of their relationship and the legal implications of their actions underscore the need for vigilance and accountability in protecting vulnerable individuals. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From sharing photos and videos to connecting with friends and family, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have revolutionized the way we communicate. However, while social media has many benefits, it also has a dark side that has been increasingly recognized in recent years – its impact on mental health.
Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between excessive social media use and mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. One reason for this is the constant comparison to others that social media encourages. People tend to showcase only the best parts of their lives on social media, creating a distorted view of reality. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, as individuals compare their own lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others.
Another factor contributing to the negative impact of social media on mental health is the “fear of missing out” or FOMO. Seeing friends and acquaintances posting about exciting events or experiences can trigger feelings of loneliness and isolation in those who are not able to participate. This can lead to a sense of disconnection and a decrease in overall well-being.
Additionally, the constant barrage of curated content on social media can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and overwhelm. The pressure to constantly present oneself in a positive light and maintain a certain image can be exhausting and detrimental to one’s mental health. This pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty, success, and happiness can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a negative self-image.
Furthermore, social media can also have a negative impact on sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep. This can have a cascading effect on mental health, as lack of sleep is closely linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Despite the negative impact of social media on mental health, there are steps that individuals can take to mitigate these effects. Limiting screen time, taking breaks from social media, and unfollowing accounts that trigger negative emotions are all effective strategies for maintaining mental well-being in the digital age. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can also help in coping with the negative effects of social media.
In conclusion, while social media has many benefits, it is important to be mindful of its potential impact on mental health. By being aware of the negative effects of excessive social media use and taking steps to mitigate these effects, individuals can protect their mental well-being in an increasingly digital world.
