Sentencing: UT v Ruby Franke & Jodi Hildebrandt
the much more tough penalty against really frankly let’s go in and listen to what is happening in court. >> Good morning, ladies and gentlemen welcome to District Court. For sentencing in a matter of state of Utah versus really Frankie this Frankie is here with Mister Windward Mister Clark and Mister Shaham are here for the state of Utah. And we are ready to proceed with sentencing. The terms of the Senate’s were agreed to as part of the plea agreement correct. There is a pre-sentence investigation report in the matter I have reviewed that everyone has seen it.
What about restitution Council before we know them with other matters. We’d like to leave that open at this time. >> I can get into that I might be more comfortable as we approach to get into that. Is there an agreement that restitution and we reserve that and for what period of time. 8 months is what we’re anticipating that but I haven’t talked to. We haven’t discussed that your own or is there any objection. What’s the state’s position regarding sentencing. Your honor the state. The state respectfully request, the court sentenced this spring key consecutive prison terms
for each of the 4 counts of aggravated child abuse. The sentence was agreed to by MS. Pranking her plea agreement and it’s also recommended by the information pro. She committed
to physical tasks like carrying loaded boxes up and down stairs and while sets or sitting against the wall without a chair or stool. They were also forced to manual labor outdoors in extreme summer heat at times without shoes or socks. They were forced to stand outside in the sun and patio in the summer heat for hours and even days at a time. And the 12 year-old was regularly bound hand and foot after he attempted to run away in the July. Both children had extensive physical injuries from the abuse. The injuries from the binding to the
12 year-old. In addition to physical abuse, the children are emotionally abused the extent that each believed to some degree. The circle is being done to them. Have you over the children not have the courage to run away and after neighborhood. The police haven’t only knows how much longer he could have survived. After being caught this spring he has shown considerable remorse as evidence by agreeing to serve consecutive prison terms and being willing to cooperate with the state against the silver missed the brunt. Given the severity of the abuse she inflicted consecutive terms are appropriate. >>
All right we need to slip in a commercial But we’re going to pick it up right. >> We left off and we’re hearing consec Welcome back to court TV live. Thanks so much for following along with us, I’m Julia Janae along with Ted Rowlands. >> We have a lot to get to today. The state has rested its case in chief for the trial of Adam Montgomery that happened today in New Hampshire. >> Of course his face in the second degree murder charges in salt for the death of his little dog harmony or body has never
been found jury was sent home after the state rested they’ll be back tomorrow, we’ll find out tomorrow as he will grace the court room with his presence which he hasn’t done all trial long and take the stand will have more from Matt Johnson coming up this hour and we’re also covering the Utah sentencing hearing for. >> Former mom fluent supreme be Frankie and a business partner Jodi Hildebrandt Frankie and Hildebrandt admitted to 4 counts of child abuse in each of those counts carries a sentence of up to 15 years. They are in front of a
judge today under court order we can’t show this live. But we’ve just gotten clearance to show you Ruby Frankie’s sentencings let’s get you right back into court where we left off. Got a bit of a technical difficulties are going to hold for just a we’re going to. >> Hold off and talk about what we’re listening for here the key is that under Utah law the judge’s hands are really tied. This sentence is we know one to 15 years her counters 4 counts the one thing the judge can do is have the defendant serve it consecutively,
but all the once or are currently all at once or consecutively and if you’re a defendant you don’t want consecutive because their top little bull when does. >> Crazy to hear that we heard in the presentation that we did before we took a breath is that the agreement by Ruby frankly was to do this consecutively which we don’t often hear from defended but she did get 2 of her counts dropped in the plea agreement so that is the benefit. >> Part of the equation right to stand we’re ready to roll Let’s do it now will
pick up where we left off. >> As Frank and her business partner health care to children ages 9. In a concentration camp like setting. The children were regularly denied food water. It’s dissly been virtually all forms of entertainment. They were isolated from others and were hit when people come to visit the House where the children. The defendants were staying. The children were forced to physical tasks like carrying loaded boxes up and down stairs and wall sits or sitting against the wall without a chair or stool. They were also forced to manual labor outdoors in extreme
summer heat at times without shoes or socks. They were forced to stand outside in the sun and patio in the summer heat for hours and even days at a time. And the 12 year-old was regularly bound hand and foot after he attempted to run away in mid July. Both children had extensive physical injuries from the abuse. The injuries from the binding to the 12 year-old. In addition to physical abuse, the children are emotionally abused the extent that each believed to some degree that they deserve what’s being done to them. Have you over the children not
have the courage to run away and after neighbor to call the police haven’t only knows how much longer. He could have survived in that situation. After being comments Frankie has shown considerable remorse as evidence by agreeing to serve consecutive prison terms and being willing to cooperate with the state against the silver missed the brunt. Given the severity of the abuse inflicted consecutive terms. Section 7, 6, 3 for a one lays out factors the court takes into account in determining whether consecutive or concurrent sentences imposed. Those factors of the gravity and circumstances of the offense. The
number of victims have been history character and rehabilitative needs that the defendant. Has agreed to the plea agreement and has recommended by the probation and parole consecutive sentences are appropriate this due to the severity of the abuse. Both victims. It could be argued that Mister Frank you should receive a lesser sentence in this field right because of her divorce and willingness to cooperate with the state. The Board of Pardons and parole will have broad latitude and we’ll take those facts into account when it determines how long each of the co-defendants were incarcerated. Inclusion we respectfully
request that the court. Go along with both agree to the plea agreement. And post consecutive sentences. Thank you anything else from the state. >> Because this morning in the comments my client wishes to make in a few minutes, we’re not suggesting we’re only asking that the court deviate from the stipulated since contained in the written plea agreement. You know what to expect from the folks in Ruby Frankie has become a serious student of her own actions. The very early days of my involvement with Ruby she was somewhat defensive and she was still very much and
I needed into a philosophy that destructive. We came to the stark realization of the errors in her thinking patterns and subsequent actions. To say that she was horrified by this realization would be to put pointedly. And how quickly defensive stance and move toward total acceptance of her actions. He and 2 us cents today. So far she has used her time in jail to unwrap the layers upon layers of deceit and deception first of over the last 4 years by an unscrupulous individual. Maybe realizes that she still has work to do in setting those thinking here
there’s and to establish a better incorrect and thinking and behavior. Has that changed your thinking. Re-establishing relationships and we are not simple or easy tasks. However she’s committee committed to doing that work. I would like the court to know that will be Frankie the delightful respectful and responsible person. She’s hoping to be back in the dressing the consequences of her actions her own. To address your honor except your judgment. >> This frankly as a statement she like to make she does. Well you don’t have to bend on that. >> I would like to make a
statement without any into to change my stipulated sentence. I’ve chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me to a dark dilution. I just started checked as I would honestly from anyone who challenged me. I was led to believe that this world is evil place full of cops who country well hospitals Many agencies that pretty much. For the line and lost. We should use to protect and children in need. I chose to believe him he had this pain culminated into criminal activity for just under 42 to take accountability. I was never in my business
partner. just from her or connections. Sense counselor 2019 paid her. It is important to me to demonstrate my willingness micro without blame. I take full accountability for my choices. It is my preference, but will serve a prison sentence. Officers in Santa Clara. One city place. So take it. Yes and she for hours. You really need tools. They came and saved my children I especially want to thank detective J pate. She talked to a situation I didn’t know how to get out of. And the moment she had kept using them against my freedom. You got to
control one’s I was. hospital your skill tenderness unprofessionalism help to cure my children. Inflicted the injuries. Not the hospital. Thank you to the surface, the children’s Justice Center judge basil and the key adults. My children and your winning offer them love compassion and courage meant. You are not the ones who are Thank you to my Bishop Tom Hawks in my state President Jimmy Nelson. I don’t love for the last. >> So much pain and suffering would have heated your counsel. Was deceived about you. Thank you to the Washington County prosecutor’s office by some for legal
assistance and discovery clerks. >> You have something to me how justice and mercy are meant to coexist. Charges are just they offer safe to 2 months, one account ability to the public. And they did show mercy to me. Thank you to my attorney lamarr Windward and his staff. Would not be where I am today without them. Thank you to Randy Kester for your Lewis energy. In here in my family. My dear friends. Well I am so sorry for letting you down. Because the association with me your innocence was called into question. Cannon’s family, my cousins
aunts uncles nieces nephews and neighbors. You also have the warning signs long before I did and you did what you could. You want to help the first 2 away. My mother and father. You have offered me unconditional love for that I have offered you unconditional content. My siblings and their spouses because of my decision to roll around and it takes time I drink your families through the Yeah what I desire to return as the probable sister. I like the product has I will use it step with my pants and then up to greet me. Your
capacity to was unprecedented. 23 years. But we both started together. >> And just trying to do. Over time too. Who’s to safety. Was for years and Student. And this really. Just a Answer favorite to lead into something very ugly. This must have been for you. Turning to spend this. myspace. >> Has created a hunting spot for me. Cause people to send the troops who could trust. make changes. We Grace. Said that trust and that’s days of this and confident. No. >> necessary step towards that end. Thank you to you and your staff. For facilitating my
opportunity to take accountability and to answer it from my charges I am humbled and honored to serve the president a prison sentence as long as it takes. This information I have And for the community to show and I understand this is going to take time. I’m committed to continuing my into it plans are shed and I ended up in tears, a contributing member of our beautiful society. Thank you judge Walton. >> thing else was Ruby frankly Frank in her own words they’re accepting responsibility and many levels thanking pretty much everybody in the criminal justice system.
>> And Steve someone who is pleading guilty saying that the >> Welcome back to court TV live. We are bringing you the sentencing hearing for former mom fluence are really frankly her co-defendant Jodi told a brand is also facing that sentencing today they both pleaded guilty to 4 counts of second degree aggravated child abuse. >> So and it appears though that they’ve agreed to lease to Frankie on serving these sentences consecutively meaning that the end of the day it’s going to before 2.60 years total up to the Bureau of prisons, let’s pick up the hearing
for Ruby Frankie Hildebrandt next I’m right where we left off. ♪ ♪ >> To the court imposing sentence. This sentence will be is Frankie serve 4 counts. One to 15 year sentences based on her convictions for 4 counts of aggravated child abuse. Again they will serve consecutively be served consecutively percent it too. The parties agreement. And the applicable statute under the applicable statute. The court finds that it consists that consecutive sentences are appropriate. This frankly the last thing they do need to tell you is that you have only 30 days to file for to perfected
appeal if any of those of the court by filing a written notice of appeal with the clerk of the court if you don’t do that within 30 days you will lose your right to appeal. >> You also have the right to the assistance of an attorney on appeal and have one appointed if you cannot afford to hire your own. Restitution has agreed by the Pa. These will remain open for a period of 8 months. Any of the parties can bring that matter back before the court within that that period of time. >> Next batter before
the court the state of Utah versus Hildebrandt case 2, 3, 1, 5, 0, 1, 7, 6, 3, Dating is Hildebrandt. Mister shama Mister. Carter here representing the state. >> You know we anticipated 1030 not say that we need to wait to them but can I have a moment please. >> Okay really frankly Frankie fished and the children next, taking a little time here. Let’s talk about what we just watched with Murray prayer a couple I notice first of all. Listening to her the abuse was It was real and then what they did to those kids
was was real she also tried to clarify I was I did not go into business with this woman I paid her to be my mentor kind of saying I was the victim, but what stood out to you. >> Frankly Frankie did that. >> She deserves. >> And the Academy Award for that because the ex financial level of remorse and contrition that she expressed before the court even touch me, but basically what she’s saying is I really didn’t do this. My co defendant rain washed me and resulted in me having a break from mental. Reality okay,
and it may be paranoid it may be delusional and it turned me into this all of our son. She did it in the right way and I think it may impact the judge to really give her the low end of that one too 15 while still concept to do it may not turn out to be that much because that’s a she might get one foot each she showed contrition to show remorse she acknowledged she took accountability should apologize to our users she’ll apologize to the people captured or are in this for she could hold a
master class and put this on you too and make money after the fact because I I co defendant is going to come back with anything stronger than that she did a great job and it really means it then there’s hope for rehabilitation and that could be something good out of this and she may eventually. Men things with her family now. >> I’ve never seen someone thank the officers who essentially has arrested her took her children from her and she said thank you to those angels who saved my children and 2 clarified she the minimum is
4 years of what the judge a sentence or 2 it will be up to the poor board as to when she will be able to get out between 4.16 years now. >> Just to the yes she said when she got the handcuffs put on her that’s when this reality came back and got her life back. Fascinating that’s for sure we’ll see what’s up next with Jodi Hildebrandt. What will she say to this court Welcome back to the line on this Tuesday along with 2 Legion and Ted Rowlands glad to have you along with us, it’s
a mother busy week here. >> We’ve been following several stories right now we’re paying attention to the sentencing hearing for former mom fluent or Ruby frankly, Frankie rather and her co-defendant, Judy Hildebrandt both of them pleaded guilty to 4 counts of second degree aggravated child abuse. >> Let’s go back into the court We watched Ruby Frankie now it’s time for Jodi filled the brand low will she say anything to the court. >> Perri calls the matter and state of Utah versus Hildebrandt case 2, 3, 1, 5, 0, 1, 7, 6, 3 counselor president MS. Hildebrandt
as president. Council there is a pre-sentence investigation, Rick port I have read it, everyone is seen in review that. Again the. The Senate’s was stipulated the time of the plea agreement. What what record we need to make other than going for with sentencing. >> Your honor I it would be repetitive I so I statement just for the last year paragraphs where it where I was different you may think this breaking news the grant and let’s talk about that housekeeping matters first what about restitution. We stipulated to keep that open great mind it is appropriate to
honor since we don’t have any evidence with respect to restitution and that’s because it is still in the process of being gathered by. The county Attorney’s Office in to put its completely appropriate for the court to make no borders with respect to restitution. Other than to reserve all issues regarding restitution and we have no issue with the 8 a country. >> And the injunction that was previously issued by the court will remain in effect it worked at least to tell that time it will remain in effect until further order of this court all right. >>
The state of Utah respectfully requests that the court sent in this sentence MS. Hildebrandt consecutive prison terms for each of the 4 counts of aggravated child abuse to which she has pleaded guilty. The sentence was agreed to her and her plea agreement has also recommended vital information from. And still the recommended awful acts of child abuse. From May to August 2023. She and her business partner killed 2 children. It is 9.11 turning 12. In a concentration camp like sitting in her house and Ivan city. The children were regularly tonight, food water beds to sleep in
and virtually all forms of entertainment. They were isolated from others and were hit when people come to visit the once they were forced to physical tasks. I can go to the boxes up and down stairs. Wall sits or city against them all without assistance of a chair or stool. For the manual labor outdoors in the extreme summer heat often without shoes or socks. They were also forced to stand outside on a sunny patio in the summer heat for hours and even days. And the 12 year-old was regularly bound hand and foot after he attempted to
run away in mid July. Both children had extensive physical injuries from the abuse. Injuries and the findings are particularly bad. In addition to the physical abuse, the children are emotionally abused. They each believed to some degree that they is being done to them. And the older of the 2 children not have the courage to run away ask a neighbor to call the police. We know is how much longer he could have survived. After being caught as Hildebrandt showing little to no remorse for her actions and telephone conversations. It will be provided both to the Board
of Pardons and parole. And when she knew to be recorded. She’s repeatedly claimed that she is the victim and the children of the perpetrators. She’s gone so far as to say that the thing said in this proceeding and covered by the media today will be full of lies. The combination of 3 factors make this event a significant threat to the commute the first the severity of the abuse because he inflicted on young children. Second her attitude everything she did was justified and that she is wrongfully imprisoned. Training is that there was an aptitude for using
online resources to convince others to follow their guidance. Utah code section 76 3 for one he’s got 3 factors the court should consider in determining whether to impose concurrent or consecutive sentences. The first is the gravity and circumstances of the offense. The second is the number of victims and the Thursday history character and rehabilitative need. Has agreed to the plea agreement and has recommended by the information Proehl consecutive sentences are appropriate here. This is due to the severity of the abuse to the 2 victims and extreme need from us Hildebrandt be rehabilitated so that should
no longer will present a risk to the community. The state expect requests that should be sentenced to 4 consecutive terms. Thank you. Mister clerk Mister Kerry. I would be close. >> As is always the case in cases that can be 4 courts. There are 2 sites. Every case. And even in a case like this that remains. Many many allegations regarding. These 2 gets Frankie and my client miss Hildebrandt. In this case that are adjudicated fact. Are those set forth in the. That she entered into that she entered into freely and knowingly and voluntarily. Those facts
those are due to covid facts are significant they certainly provide a basis for the pleas and provide a basis for the stipulated sentence in this case. Experience with MS. Hildebrandt. Is that she is not the person that she has been portrayed to be. But having said that. She has accepted responsibility in this case. She has entered into this plea agreement with a stipulated sentence of 4 consecutive. She entered the plea agreement knowing that that would be the court’s order. She’s before the court today knowing that that will be the court’s order and she fully accepts
that. Should such responsibilities and she accepts the consequences for the conduct. We will submit to the court on the stipulated. >> Stick your you suggested that they’re they’re 2 sides to every generally agree with you. This Hildebrandt and make a statement PNP in in the car source of the pre-sentence investigation are. >> Court correct when it’s not makes make a statement she wanted to reserve right to make a statement before the court today, she has a brief statement that she wants to read. >> A desire for them to heal physically and emotionally. One of the
reasons I did not go to trial. So I did not want them to emotionally relive it. The detrimental to them. Is that they will heal and move get a full life. I’m willing to submit to the state feels would be an appropriate amount of time served to make west of Houston. >> And in answer to your question. Whatever she might say to the author of the present court would probably the soon to pull over and self-serving and perhaps it does today. But I know that my client in the statement she makes the court today that
that that that statement is absolutely sincere. >> Joyce Hildebrand recognize that it’s her behavior that. Cause the harm to the children that she is referred to in her statement. >> You know she recognizes that she was along with MS. Frankie. that she made decisions with respect to the discipline of those children that were wrong. Cause harm to those children she for the rest nice is that an exception responsibility for them. >> Circumstance is tragic. Of course of your making by any measure. Your conduct in this case was disastrous for these children adults are supposed to
protect children. Adults with specialized training in particular are supposed to protect children you didn’t do that in this case in this in this case you terrorize children and the results have been tragic. What happened to these children and you are philosophy in dealing with them. Frankly seems detached from reality year any objective standard of decency or or or even common sense and the court finds that it is appropriate that you serve a prison sentence. The court finds under the statute Utah code 76 dash 3 dash 4 oh one. Given the gravity and circumstances of the
offense is the number of victims. character and needs that the defendant that consecutive sentences are appropriate. The court imposes. One to 15 year sentences to be again Sir can secondly for each of the 4 counts of aggravated child abuse. The last thing I do need to tell you is the only have 30 days file or perfected appeal of the Year of the court by filing a written notice of appeal with the clerk of the court. If you don’t do that you lose your right to appeal that has to be filed in writing and again within
30 days, you also have the right to the assistance of an attorney and to have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford to hire your all. Thank you are in recess. Thank you. >> Night and day reactions from these co-defendants ru be frankly Frankie was earlier today, Judy Hildebrandt they’re leaving the courtroom, let’s bring in Murray Pereira former prosecutor criminal defense attorney was standing by Murray you were moved by Ruby frankly is presentation in court tell me about what you think of how Jodi Hildebrandt addressed the court. >> You know what they say you know
added to determine to altitude and I think her added to what is going to result in the parole board looking at her and the tougher way and a co-defendant because she really didn’t take accountability for anything and we didn’t hear the jail calls but in some in some sense. The prosecutors summarized it and she basically was blaming the killings. She didn’t take accountability she didn’t really show we will source and whatever we watch the show with very abbreviated and she just. >> And you know what they’ll be I basically they were along to have a
beautiful life and I’m sorry about what happened to them but with their be they will be I. >> As they say in the streets. She’s going to be in prison longer then Frank keep frankly that’s my opinion. >> Yeah, that seems very the reference to the jail calls and then the prosecutors say. >> It will be forwarding these calls to the Bureau of prisons. >> That is a clear indication that they’re going to do what they can. From the prosecution stamp went to forest lawn a longer sentence, but you know for years long time we’ll
see how this thing plays out the bottom line though. >> Read the the the abuse that these kids suffered. >> Was was was. >> Extensive we didn’t get much from Hildebrandt but Ruby frankly, and sheetz these Frankie’s ♪ she almost you know she basically said they could have. They were saved, you know by getting caught these kids were and for years he was like not enough. For the abuse that these kids were enduring. >> It doesn’t seem like enough because when you hear the facts it’s my attempt it murder the only reason that these kids
are alive is being has that little boy escaped to the neighbor’s House so for them to treated and give it such a light sentence. I agree with you is not enough because these were not intellectually challenged people. These are people who are on the Internet trying to tell other people how to raise their kids and making money walking. So you know what I mean really. >> Impressed by the fact that Frankie seems to frankly be taking. >> Always a possibility but what you get almost the Pro Bowl defendant under the bus because she really said
I was brainwashed
