Ruby Franke to enter plea agreement, attorneys say

PROVO, Utah — Former family vlogger Ruby Franke intends to enter a plea agreement on Dec. 18, 2023, according to a statement from the law firm representing her. 

The statement did not indicate the exact details of the plea agreement, but noted that Franke “is working with the prosecutor’s office.” 

Tune in at 8:45 a.m.  for details about today’s hearing!

 

Ruby Franke: Possible plea? 

Earlier this year, Franke and her business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, were arrested on suspicion of child abuse.

The statement from Winward Law, PLLC, painted Franke as “a devoted mother” who was “led astray” by Hildebrandt. The statement misspelled Hildebrandt’s last name; KSL NewsRadio is preserving the spelling as received in all quotes. 

“Ms. Franke believed that Jodi Hildebrant [sic] had the insight to offer a path to continual improvement. Ms. Hildebrant took advantage of this quest and twisted it into something heinous,” the statement reads.

The statement claims Hildebrandt “systematically isolated” 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. Hildebrant’s influence,” the statement says.

Ruby Franke in jail

While Franke remains in jail awaiting trial, according to the statement, she has “engaged in introspection.” This has helped her “reset her moral compass,” the attorneys said.

“Ms. Franke is committed to taking responsibility for the part she played in the events leading up to her incarceration,” the statement read.

Further, it said Franke has reached out to some of her family members with “heartfelt apologies.” She intends to mend relationships and contribute to their healing, it continued. 

Franke is aware that her husband has filed for divorce, according to the statement. Her attorneys said she offers her full cooperation to assist in her children’s reunion with their father.

“She acknowledges and understands his anger and reasoning,” the statement said. “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.”

In the statement, Winward Law said it is “genuinely saddened” that Franke fell under the influence of Hildebrandt.

“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,” the statement concluded.

Keep reading:

• ‘8 Passengers’ YouTube star arrested on suspicion of child abuse
• Husband of YouTube vlogger Ruby Franke files for divorce
• Concerns about Ruby Franke’s children reported to police, DCFS more than a year ago
• Ruby Franke court documents and hearings sealed by judge
• Ruby Franke’s arrest prompted a search for her older children, report shows

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