Utah Bloggers Accused of Exploiting Parents in Child Abuse Case and Fraud Scheme

Utah Bloggers Accused of Exploiting Parents in Child Abuse Case and Fraud Scheme

A man from Utah claims he suffered significant financial losses, exceeding $1 million, after his wife became captivated by the controversial online parenting figures Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. This duo previously drew public attention for their dubious and expensive online “counseling” services.

Ruby Franke, 43, a mother of six, and Jodi Hildebrandt, 55, a mother of two, co-hosted a parenting and lifestyle YouTube channel named ConneXions Classrooms. However, their online presence took a dark turn after both women were arrested and pleaded guilty to multiple counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse in December 2023.

Allegations of Fraud and Exploitation

According to the legal complaint, Franke, Hildebrandt, and others engaged in what the plaintiff describes as a widespread racketeering enterprise. The complaint alleges they sought power and profits by selling fraudulent services and products targeted at vulnerable individuals who were looking for help.

The Utah authorities took action after police rescued two of Franke’s children from Hildebrandt’s home on August 30, revealing severe signs of neglect and abuse. Allegations against Franke included forcing her children into labor, restricting their food intake, and subjecting them to emotional harm by labeling them as “evil” and deserving of punishment.

Rescue and Discovery

The abuse came to light when a neighbor reported to the police after encountering Franke’s 12-year-old child at his doorstep, pleading for help. The child had managed to escape from the affluent home of Hildebrandt, where he had been staying while Franke was absent.

Before the rise of ConneXions Classrooms, Franke had a successful parenting vlog called 8Passengers, which showcased her family dynamic. However, as her online behavior attracted scrutiny from fans for its cruelty towards her children, she formed a partnership with Hildebrandt, which subsequently spiraled into further controversy.

Legal Action Against the Bloggers

Michael Tillerman is leading the legal charge against Franke and Hildebrandt, labeling them as an “organized criminal enterprise” in a federal lawsuit filed last month. He asserts that his ex-wife sought Hildebrandt’s services under the guise of counseling, which he later discovered was exploitative.

Dubious Counseling Services

The pair became known for their soothing online presence, dispensing parenting advice from their living room couch. Just before their arrests, Hildebrandt suggested in a video that pain could act as a beneficial experience for children at certain ages.

According to Franke’s daughter, Shari, in her memoir titled “The House of My Mother,” she describes Hildebrandt’s inner circle as akin to a “cult,” emphasizing the troubling nature of their influences.

Exorbitant Prices for Questionable Services

Franke and Hildebrandt marketed various services that cost parents thousands of dollars. For instance, a Leadership Training Program was priced at $5,000, while their “Company Leadership Training” soared to nearly $15,000, raising questions about the legitimacy of their offerings.

Prices for personal sessions with Hildebrandt were steep, at $181 for just 50 minutes. Additionally, monthly group sessions cost $300, with a minimum commitment of $900.

Psychological and Physical Abuse Allegations

The lawsuit alleges that Franke and Hildebrandt capitalized on the vulnerabilities of individuals seeking legitimate mental health support, indoctrinating their followers into a disturbing culture that condones child abuse. Tillerman asserts that his former spouse used the pair’s teachings to justify abusive behaviors toward their shared child.

Final Thoughts on a Disturbing Case

Franke and Hildebrandt have not yet responded to the lawsuit, and no legal representation was listed for them by the time of this report. They are facing significant prison time, having been sentenced to serve multiple terms ranging from 30 to 60 years, following their convictions for severe child abuse affecting Franke’s children.

This troubling case raises profound questions about the dangers of unregulated online advice and the consequences of placing trust in questionable sources. As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant about the influences targeting vulnerable families.