Police visited Ruby Franke’s home twice in the year leading up to her arrest, as per police documents. Concerned neighbors reported that Franke would frequently leave her young children alone for extended periods of time. In September 2022, Franke’s eldest daughter requested a welfare check on her siblings. During that check, neighbors informed police that Franke would leave her children alone for several days to visit her friend and business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, in a town three hours away. Franke’s 10-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son were later found malnourished and injured in Hildebrandt’s home, leading to Franke and Hildebrandt both being charged with child abuse.
The September 2022 welfare check came after Franke’s eldest daughter, Shari Franke, informed police that her younger siblings were left alone in the house for about five days while their mother was away. Shari Franke, who publicly supported her mother’s arrest, stated that she had distanced herself from her family after they became involved with the YouTube channel ConneXions.
During the welfare check, officers saw the children inside the house but were unable to make contact as they refused to answer the door. Concerned neighbors reported Franke’s frequent absences and witnessed her vehicle parked outside Hildebrandt’s residence. The neighbors expressed concern over the youngest children being homeschooled while the older ones attended public school.
Police were called to the Franke home again due to a Department of Child and Family Services report of possible child neglect. The report alleged that Franke left her children at home without means of transportation or communication while visiting Hildebrandt in St. George. A caseworker attempted to make contact with the children but was unsuccessful. A warrant to speak with the children was not approved.
In April 2022, police were also called to Franke’s neighborhood after a DCFS worker reported two unsupervised children running in the road. No children were found when an officer drove through the area.
Neighbors and witnesses have come forward since Franke’s arrest, revealing instances of the children performing physically taxing tasks in extreme heat. One neighbor claimed to have contacted the police multiple times regarding the children’s well-being.
The community is relieved at Franke’s arrest, as they feared for the children’s safety.
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