Jod Hilderbrandt, the business partner of convicted child abuser Ruby Frankie, is seeking an early release from prison, claiming inadequate legal representation during her trial. Hilderbrandt, who was sentenced alongside Frankie for their involvement in the horrific abuse of Frankie’s children, filed a petition for post-conviction relief on March 24, 2024, alleging that her attorney, Douglas Terry, failed to adequately inform her of her rights and the implications of her guilty plea.
More than a year after their arrest, the case has garnered significant public attention. In August 2023, Ruby Frankie’s two youngest children, aged 10 and 12, were discovered in a severely malnourished state in Hilderbrandt’s home in Ivins, Utah. Investigations revealed shocking details of abuse, including instances where the children were forced to stand outside in extreme heat, denied food and water, and subjected to emotional torment. Both women faced six counts of aggravated child abuse, ultimately pleading guilty to four charges in December 2023, which led to sentences ranging from four to 30 years in prison.
Hilderbrandt’s recent filing claims she was not fully aware of the charges against her due to her attorney’s alleged failures, including not explaining the plea agreement and waiving her right to a preliminary hearing. Despite her plea deal stating she relinquished her right to appeal, Hilderbrandt’s petition seeks to challenge her conviction on several grounds, including ineffective assistance of counsel and prosecutorial misconduct.
Legal experts have noted that post-conviction relief petitions, particularly those following a guilty plea, are often challenging to succeed. Hilderbrandt is currently representing herself in this process, which complicates her case further. Observers suggest that her petition appears to be a “Hail Mary” attempt to lessen her sentence, raising questions about her understanding of the legal proceedings and the consequences she faced.
The case has also sparked legislative changes in Utah aimed at protecting child influencers. In light of the abuses revealed, new laws require online content creators earning over $150,000 to set aside a portion of their income for their children’s future, ensuring that minors benefit from their participation in family vlogs. Kevin Frankie, Ruby’s estranged husband, has actively advocated for these changes, emphasizing the need for protections against the exploitation of children in the digital age.
As Hilderbrandt’s case unfolds, the implications of her petition and the broader impacts of the Frankie case on child welfare and legislation in Utah continue to attract significant public scrutiny. The legal community awaits further developments as Hilderbrandt’s petition is processed, while advocates for child protection remain vigilant in addressing the systemic issues highlighted by this disturbing case.