Ruby Franke set to enter a plea deal as her lawyers claim business partner took advantage of her
IVINS, UTAH: Ruby Franke is set to enter a plea agreement, according to an announcement from her lawyers.
The 41-year-old family vlogger is expected to enter the plea deal on Monday, December 18, in the child abuse case claiming that her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt took advantage of her, according to People.
What are the charges against Ruby Franke?
On August 30, Franke was taken into custody alongside her podcast co-host Jodi Hildebrandt, and was charged with six felony counts of child abuse.
As per the statement, lawyers of the 'momfluencer' described her as having "found herself on this challenging path under the influence of Ms Hildebrant," and said that she was "led astray."
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The arrest followed an incident in August when a 12-year-old son allegedly escaped Hildebrandt's home and sought help from a neighbor, pleading for food and water. The young boy appeared "emaciated" and was "covered in wounds."
Following the arrival of Santa Clara Public Safety Department officers in Ivens, Utah at the property of Hildebrandt, they found Franke's 10-year-old daughter who, according to authorities, appeared to have "a similar physical condition of malnourishment."
Both children were subsequently taken to the hospital, and on, September 6, Franke and Hildebrandt were charged with six felony counts of child abuse.
Where is Ruby Franke now?
Franke is currently working with the prosecution team on her plea agreement, according to the statement issued on Friday, December 16.
"Our client is working with the prosecutor’s office and anticipates resolving this matter quickly by entering a plea agreement with the court on Monday, December 18," read the statement.
The statement described Franke as a “devoted mother” who "is also a woman committed to constant improvement," and alleged her business partner Hildebrandt's "influence" over Franke.
"Initially, Ms Franke believed that Jodi Hildebrant had the insight to offer a path to continual improvement. Ms Hildebrant took advantage of this quest and twisted it into something heinous," the lawyers claimed.
"Over an extended period, Ms Hildebrant systematically isolated Ruby Franke from her extended family, older children, and her husband, Kevin Franke," they added
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"This prolonged isolation resulted in Ms Franke being subjected to a distorted sense of morality, shaped by Ms Hildebrandt’s influence," read the statement.
As per the statement, during her time in Washington County jail, Franke has "actively engaged in an introspection that has allowed her to reset her moral compass and understand the full weight of her actions."
