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Jodi Hildebrandt is serving prison time two years after her arrest
Summary
Jodi Hildebrandt is serving prison time after pleading guilty in a 2023 child abuse case linked to Ruby Franke. A Netflix documentary about the case was released on Dec. 30, 2025.
Content
Jodi Hildebrandt is a former counselor who is serving time at the Utah State Correctional Facility after pleading guilty in a child abuse case connected to Ruby Franke. Authorities say the arrests followed the escape of one of Franke's children in August 2023. Hildebrandt had been known locally for counseling work and online content tied to teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The case and Hildebrandt's background are the focus of a Netflix documentary that premiered on Dec. 30, 2025.
What we know so far:
- Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke were arrested in August 2023 after a child sought help, and prosecutors charged them with aggravated child abuse.
- Both women pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse, according to court records and reporting.
- Reporting and records state Hildebrandt was sentenced in February 2024 and is serving time at the Utah State Correctional Facility (Dell).
- Investigators reported that the children were confined, denied food and water at times, and were made to perform hard labor; officials described religiously framed motivations in the case.
- A Netflix documentary about Hildebrandt and the Franke family, reported as Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, premiered Dec. 30, 2025. Hildebrandt did not participate in the film but some recorded phone calls are included, reporting says.
Summary:
Hildebrandt's conviction removed her from her counseling work and resulted in a multi-year prison sentence, and the case has continued to receive public attention through reporting and the Netflix documentary. Undetermined at this time.
