Ruby Franke’s estranged husband, Kevin Franke, filed a lawsuit against her former business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, over allegations of abuse towards the couple’s children. According to court documents, Kevin sued Hildebrandt for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress for himself and two of their six children. Kevin claimed that Ruby had moved the children into Hildebrandt’s home without his knowledge and that two of the children had experienced abuse during their time there.
Kevin alleged that Hildebrandt wrongfully detained the two minor children, forcing them to remain in a room or basement of the home without permission to leave. The court documents described instances where the children were subjected to physical torture, forced labor, and denied adequate food and water. When one of the children attempted to escape, he was captured and bound, further exacerbating the abuse they endured while living with Hildebrandt.
The children were repeatedly told by their mother and Hildebrandt that they were “evil and possessed,” and were subjected to additional instances of forced labor and physical punishment. Due to the extensive abuse, Kevin claimed that the children’s personalities and psyches were severely damaged, requiring professional intervention to help them recover. Ruby and Hildebrandt were arrested last August after one of the children escaped and sought help from a neighbor, resulting in both women being sentenced to up to 60 years in prison for aggravated child abuse.
Despite the lengthy sentence, Ruby and Hildebrandt will only serve a maximum of 30 years due to a Utah law that caps imprisonment time on consecutive sentences. Kevin, who had been separated from Ruby for over a year at the time of her arrest, filed for guardianship over their 16-year-old daughter and is seeking to regain custody of their four minor children. The lawsuit sheds light on the severe abuse that the children endured while in Hildebrandt’s care and the efforts made by Kevin to ensure the well-being of his children and seek justice for the harm they suffered.
The case highlights the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from harm. It also underscores the legal repercussions that individuals may face for committing such heinous acts. Through the legal process, Kevin has taken steps to hold those responsible for the abuse of his children accountable and seek justice for the harm they endured. Ultimately, the lawsuit serves as a reminder of the critical need to prioritize the safety and well-being of children and advocate for their protection in cases of abuse and neglect.
