Ruby Franke's estranged husband sues her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt for ... trends now
The estranged husband of Ruby Franke is suing her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt for allegedly causing him 'economic and emotional distress'.
Ruby Franke, 42, pleaded guilty in December to four counts of aggravated child abuse and were sentenced in February to up to 30 years in prison.
Franke's business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, 54, whom she described as her 'mentor,' received the same sentence.
Prosecutors accused the former business partners of starving and abusing Franke's own children while doling out brutal parenting advice on social media.
Franke's husband Kevin has now filed a lawsuit claiming that he and his children were the victims of alleged emotional distress and negligence by Hildebrandt.
Kevin Franke, seen here with his ex-wife Ruby, has filed a lawsuit claiming that he and his children were the victims of alleged emotional distress and negligence by Jodi Hildebrandt
Jodi began living with the couple after Kevin and Ruby had tried to help her fight 'evil spirits' and 'cast the demons out'
Ruby (pictured left), 42, was sentenced to up to 30 years in prison in February for brutally abusing her 12-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter in a 'concentration camp-like setting.' Jodi (pictured right), 54, was also sentenced to up to 30 years behind bars
KUTV reported that the lawsuit filed by Franke cites 'intentional infliction of emotional distress', 'negligent infliction of emotional distress' and 'negligence'.
The complain alleges that Hildebrandt acted with disregard of the probability of causing emotional distress to Franke and to each of his children.
It alleges that Franke suffered severe and/or extreme emotional distress that was caused by her actions.
The suit that he has suffered past and future economic and noneconomic damages, pain, emotional distress, loss of quality of life and loss of enjoyment in life.
Franke is seeking judgement on damages, along with pain and suffering, losses and harms and all other general damages as well as costs and attorney fees.
A written statement from Randy Kester, who represents Kevin Franke, on behalf of Franke, said: 'This lawsuit marks a significant step in our journey towards seeking justice for myself and my children against the abuses inflicted by Ms. Hildebrandt.
'Ms. Hildebrandt weaponized her authority and professional training to cause tremendous harm and damage to myself, my children, and my family.
'I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to ensure that this dangerous woman can never harm another individual again and to seek the long-term healing and welfare of my children.'
The complain alleges that Hildebrandt acted with disregard of the probability of causing emotional distress to Franke and to each of his children. Ruby and Kevin are seen here
Child protective services took the two children, along with two older siblings, into custody after arriving at Ruby's home to arrest her
Defendant Ruby Franke looks on during court Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in St. George, Utah
Defendant Jodi Hildebrandt looks on during court Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in St. George, Utah
The couple had employed Hildebrandt as their family therapist in 2021 but she convinced the couple to separate a year later.
