Kevin Franke, the estranged husband of YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke, has initiated legal action against Ruby's former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. The lawsuit alleges emotional distress and negligence on behalf of Franke and his children, accusing Hildebrandt of subjecting them to abuse while under her care.
Legal documents obtained by KUTV outline the events leading up to the abuse, including Ruby Franke's decision to move their children into Hildebrandt's home without Kevin's knowledge in May 2023. The lawsuit provides detailed accounts of the alleged maltreatment, including extreme physical labor, isolation, limited access to food and water, and the use of physical restraints.
In August 2023, Kevin Franke's son managed to escape from Hildebrandt's residence and sought help from a nearby neighbor.
The boy's severe malnourishment and injuries necessitated hospitalization, and soon after, Franke's daughter was found by police in a traumatized state within Hildebrandt's residence. Her condition also required medical attention for physical injuries, malnourishment, and to monitor her emotional well-being.
In December, both Ruby Franke and Hildebrandt pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse. They admitted to inflicting or allowing serious physical injuries upon Kevin Franke's children between May and August of 2023. As part of their plea agreements, both Franke and Hildebrandt were sentenced to four consecutive sentences of one to 15 years in prison.
The lawsuit further states that Utah's Department of Child and Family Services took custody of all four of the Franke children to address their emotional and psychological needs. In response, Kevin Franke has also sought therapy to support his children's recovery and better “understand their conditions.”
Franke is seeking a trial by jury and an unspecified amount of damages.
