Ruby Franke’s husband tries to ‘keep his kids together’ after child abuse arrest

Influencer mum Ruby Franke’s husband, Kevin Franke, is making sure their six kids are his No. 1 priority following his wife’s arrest for child abuse.

Kevin’s attorney, Randy S. Kester, told Page Six on Thursday that his client’s “urgent goal is simply to keep his children together in his paternal custody.”

The Frankes share Shari, Chad, Abby, Julie, Russell, and Eve.

Ruby – a Utah mom known for her ‘8 Pa*sengers’ YouTube channel – was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of two counts of aggravated child abuse.

His a*sociate, Jodi Hildebrandt, was also arrested that day on the same suspicions.

According to arrest records obtained by Page Six, a child ran out a window of Hildebrandt’s home in Ivins and demanded food and water from a neighbor.

When the Good Samaritan – who said the child “appeared emaciated and malnourished” – noticed duct tape around his ankles and wrists, he called the police.

The police who intervened found that the child’s condition was so “serious” that they transported the victim to the Saint George Regional Hospital.

According to the police, the child was placed in medical detention “due to deep lacerations caused by being tied with a rope”.

Another child, who was malnourished, was discovered shortly afterwards and was also taken to hospital.

The police report said Ruby, 41, had filmed a video at Hildebrandt’s home just days before the incident, indicating that the former had “knowledge of the abuse, malnutrition and neglect”.

Ruby – who will be held without bond in the Washington County Jail – refused to speak to authorities and asked for an attorney instead.

Four Franke children remain in the custody of the Ministry of Children and Family Services.

In Utah, aggravated child abuse includes starvation, broken bones, head injuries from hitting or shaking, and suffocation.

If intentionally inflicted, the perpetrator faces up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

After Ruby’s arrest, her ex-daughter, Shari, said on Instagram that she and her family “are so happy to see justice done”, saying they are “trying to talk to the police and the CPS about it. For years”.

Ruby’s sisters shared similar sentiments in a joint statement that both arrests “had to happen.”

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“For the past three years, we have been silent about our sister Ruby Franke for the sake of her children,” the statement continued.

“Behind the public scene, we have done everything we can to try to keep children safe.”

According to the sisters, the Frankes “the children are safe now, which is the number one priority.”

Ruby and Hildebrandt – a therapist whose license was suspended after speaking out about a patient’s “p**n addiction” at her Mormon church – founded ConneXions in June 2022.

Their self-help program was immediately accused of being a “cult”.