Utah parenting vlogger’s partner allegedly tied 12-year-old with rope, dressed open wounds with pepper

IVINS, Utah (TCD) -- A search warrant revealed new allegations against a popular yet controversial parenting vlogger and her mental health counselor business partner after they were arrested last month on suspicion of child abuse.

On Aug. 30 at 10:50 a.m., Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department officials responded to a call about an "emaciated and malnourished" juvenile asking for help. Police said the child had "open wounds and duct tape around the extremities."

While EMS transported the juvenile to a nearby hospital, police learned there were likely other victims. Police found a second juvenile "in a similar physical condition of malnourishment."

As a result, Santa Clara-Ivins Police officers arrested Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt on six counts of aggravated child abuse. The two women worked together and even had their own YouTube channel called "Moms of Truth with Jodi & Ruby."

The arrest affidavit cited by KSL.com says a 12-year-old boy "climbed out of the window of an Ivins residence belonging to Jodi Hildebrandt and ran to a neighbor’s home."

Law enforcement officials reportedly called the boy’s injuries "severe," and said he was placed on a hold at the hospital due to the level of his wounds.

Back at Hildebrandt’s house, police located the 10-year-old malnourished girl who was reportedly under Hildebrandt’s care.

According to newly released search warrant shared by KUTV-TV, Franke, the YouTuber, reportedly put her children in Hildebrandt’s care. The 12-year-old boy reportedly told police and other medical officials "that the wounds were form the rope that was used to tie the victim to the ground."

The boy allegedly "informed officers that 'Jodi' put the ropes on their ankles and wrists and that 'they' used cayenne pepper and honey to dress the wounds."

During the search of Hildebrandt’s home, investigators reportedly found a "possible safe room" that was locked, as well as other evidence including tape, saran wrap, bowls with a red liquid, a rope, two handcuffs, and three carabiners.

Deseret News, which also cites the warrant, reports investigators also discovered cayenne pepper and honey near the medical gauze in Hildebrandt’s residence.

Franke’s four younger children were put into the care of the Utah Division of Child and Family Services.

Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing published an order saying Hildebrandt "shall not practice as a clinical mental, health counselor in any way or manner" until she reaches a disciplinary agreement with the Division of Professional Licensing.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports Utah Department of Commerce executive director Margaret Busse said in a statement, "Given the heinous abuse allegations, the agency felt that the surrender of the license was the best course of action to protect the safety of Hildebrandt’s patients and clients."

Both women remain in custody and are being held without bail.

MORE:

• Search warrants: Jodi Hildebrandt allegedly used cayenne pepper, honey to 'dress' abuse wounds - KUTV
• Ruby Franke case: Jodi Hildebrandt surrenders counseling license, state regulators say - The Salt Lake Tribune
• Non-disciplinary limitation stipulation and order - Division of Professional Licensing Department of Commerce
• Utah parenting vloggers arrested after child found wrapped in duct tape, malnourished, 9/1/2023 - TCD
• Press Release, 8/31/2023 - Santa Clara-Ivins Police Department
• YouTuber vlogger and counselor in Utah each charged with 6 counts of child abuse, 9/1/2023 - KSL.com