BREAKING: Brave 911 Caller Leads to Arrest of Utah Parenting Bloggers in Child Abuse Case
A courageous 911 caller played a pivotal role in the arrest of Utah-based parenting bloggers, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, who are now facing six counts of child abuse allegations. These charges stem from the alleged abuse of two children, and the incident unfolded when a 12-year-old boy showed up at a neighbor’s door, seeking help late in the evening.
The distressing call was made to Santa Clara Police at around 10:50 p.m. The man who dialed 911 recounted how the boy arrived emaciated, with tape around his legs, and in desperate need of food and water. The frightened child requested police assistance and identified Jodi Hildebrandt as the neighbor involved. He revealed that his mother was Ruby Franke but clarified that he did not live in the area.
This distressing situation unfolded after one of Franke’s children managed to escape Hildebrandt’s home through a window. A neighbor noticed duct tape on the child’s ankles and wrists, leading to a call to law enforcement.
Upon reaching Hildebrandt’s residence, police discovered the child with severe malnourishment and injuries. The young victim was rushed to a hospital for medical attention. Meanwhile, another one of Franke’s children, also malnourished, was found inside Hildebrandt’s home after the initial child contacted the police.
In a heart-wrenching moment during the 911 call, the man expressed that the boy believed the abuse was his fault and that they needed police assistance urgently. He described Hildebrandt as “a bad lady” and conveyed his concerns.
The incident has cast a grim light on the YouTube channel “ConneXions Classroom,” previously known as “Moms of Truth,” which Franke and Hildebrandt ran together. The channel aimed to guide its followers through life but now faces scrutiny following the shocking allegations.
Ruby Franke’s involvement in the abuse has been suggested by evidence, including her presence in a video filmed at Hildebrandt’s residence just days before their arrest. At the time of her arrest, Franke requested a lawyer and declined to speak with the police.
The gravity of the situation prompted law enforcement to request that both Franke and Hildebrandt be held without bail.
The charges against them include causing or permitting serious physical injury to the victims, involving a combination of physical injuries, starvation, malnutrition, and severe emotional harm, according to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.
As this disturbing case unfolds, one of Franke’s daughters posted a message on Instagram, expressing gratitude that justice is finally being served and asking for privacy during this challenging time.
Franke and Hildebrandt are currently in custody at the Washington County Jail in Hurricane, Utah, awaiting further legal proceedings.