Ruby Franke court documents and hearings sealed by judge

SALT LAKE CITY — Judge Suchada P. Bazzelle ordered the sealing of hearings and documents related to the Ruby Franke child welfare case. The sealing of the case means all future hearings will be closed to the media and the public. 

Judge Bazzelle’s decision came after the media shared sensitive information about parties involved in the Franke case. It included sensitive information pertaining to the children, according to court documents. Coverage also included photographs taken in the hallway outside of the court room. Such photography, according to the documents, was prohibited. 

The order read that “despite any interest the public or press may have, the safety, welfare and best interests of the children in this care are of the utmost importance.” 

Court documents called social media and news coverage “intrusive.” They said the court can not guarantee a fair and impartial process to those involved under those circumstances. 

Documents stated that the presence of the media and public will be detrimental to the best interest of the children involved. 

The court documents stated that Ruby Franke and her family’s prior social media presence resulted in the disclosure of the children’s names and photographs, and personal details. It has resulted in an “unusually high” interest in the case. 

Moving forward, all future hearings in the case are closed to the public and media. Family members will be allowed to attend, but are required to verify their identity prior. They are “strictly prohibited” from posting about the case on social media or sharing information related to the case. 

Related reading: 

• Ruby Franke’s arrest prompted a search for her older children, report shows

• Concerns about Ruby Franke’s children reported to police, DCFS more than a year ago