“Evil Influencer Director Updates on Jodi Hildebrandt, Ruby Franke”

The recent documentary, *Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story*, sheds light on a troubling chapter involving former family vlogger Ruby Franke. Franke, known for her YouTube channel, *8 Passengers*, gained attention after her partnership with Jodi Hildebrandt, a prominent life coach within the Mormon community in Utah. Their relationship became controversial when both women were arrested under charges of child abuse.

Background of Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke

Hildebrandt founded the life-coaching entity ConneXions and quickly became influential within her church. Ruby Franke vlogged about her experiences raising six children with her then-husband, Kevin Franke, until their divorce in early 2025.

The Arrest and Child Abuse Allegations

The documentary opens with chilling footage of a young boy seeking help from a neighbor. He had escaped from Hildebrandt’s home, revealing signs of abuse and malnutrition. This boy, along with his sister, was eventually saved by law enforcement. Their mother, Ruby, and Hildebrandt were arrested, though media attention predominantly focused on Ruby. Director Skye Borgman noted that Hildebrandt played a pivotal role in the abusive circumstances.

Jodi Hildebrandt’s Legal Consequences

• Hildebrandt was convicted of four counts of aggravated child abuse.
• She received a sentence ranging from one to 15 years for each count.
• Currently, she is serving her time at Utah State Correctional Facility.
• Hildebrandt’s first parole hearing is scheduled for December 2026.

Current Behaviors in Prison

Reports suggest that Hildebrandt continues her manipulative patterns within prison by forming groups and counseling vulnerable individuals, mirroring her behavior outside.

Ruby Franke’s Situation

• Ruby Franke also pled guilty and received a similar sentence as Hildebrandt.
• She is incarcerated in a separate area from Hildebrandt.
• Franke’s first parole hearing is also set for December 2026.

Audio from prison indicates that Ruby has distanced herself from Hildebrandt. This separation may serve as both self-preservation and a means of reflection on her past actions.

Kevin Franke’s Advocacy

Following the convictions, Kevin Franke emerged as an advocate for stronger child welfare laws, addressing legislative bodies in Utah. His divorce from Ruby was finalized in March 2025, and he later remarried in late 2025.

Well-being of the Franke Children

The identities of the two children saved from Hildebrandt’s home remain confidential. Shari Franke, now 22, and her brother Chad, now 20, have begun to establish their own paths after the traumatic events. Their four younger siblings have been placed under Kevin’s custody since the incidents, and efforts are underway to ensure their transition to normalcy.

Looking Ahead

The fallout from these events raises questions about family dynamics and manipulation within influential communities. The narrative of *Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story* serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for harm, even in seemingly supportive environments.