Current:Home > MarketsLawyer for Influencer Ruby Franke's Husband Denies Involvement in Alleged Child Abuse Case -TradeSphere
Lawyer for Influencer Ruby Franke's Husband Denies Involvement in Alleged Child Abuse Case
EchoSense View
Date:2025-04-08 22:45:01
After Ruby Franke was charged with six felony counts of child abuse, her husband is speaking out.
Kevin Franke, via his lawyer Randy Kester, claimed he and his wife—who was arrested Aug. 30 alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt—have been living apart for 13 months and defended parenting his and Ruby's six kids.
"He is a good person, he's very gentle," Randy shared on Good Morning America Sept. 6. "He's a very gentle guy. And no one has ever made any allegations that he's physically abused those kids or anyone else."
Randy also shared that in the light of the influencer's arrest, Kevin's priority is their children. "He just wants to do what's best for his kids," he shared, "get them back, get them under his tutelage and his fathership and protect them."
Additionally, Kevin, according to his lawyer, is "distraught" over how the allegations are affecting his family.
E! has attempted to reach legal representation for both Ruby and Jodi for comment but has been unable to find contact information and previous attempts to reach the two directly have been unsuccessful.
Ruby, 41, and Jodi, 54, have each been charged with six counts of felony child abuse by the Washington County Attorney in Utah, per legal documents obtained by E! News. Each count carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by NBC News, the two women were arrested after Ruby's 12-year-old son was found by law enforcement climbing out of a window of Jodi's home. He was emaciated, with open wounds and duct tape on his wrists and ankles, according to an Aug. 31 press release shared by the Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department. The release also noted he went to a neighbor's home for help, "asking for food and water."
Ruby's 10-year-old daughter was then found at Jodi's home in a similarly malnourished condition, per the affidavit, with officials saying the children were taken to a local hospital for treatment. In addition to the 12 and 10-year-old, Ruby's other two minor children still living at home were taken into the care of Utah's Division of Child and Family Services. She also has two adult children, who no longer live with her.
Ruby's three sisters Ellie Mecham, Bonnie Hoellein and Julie Deru shared a statement in support of her arrest.
"For the last 3 years we have kept quiet on the subject of Ruby Franke for the sake of her children," they wrote in joint statement shared to their respective Instagram accounts on Aug. 31. "Behind the public scene, we have done everything to try and make sure the kids were safe. We wouldn't feel right about moving forward with regular content without addressing the most recent events. Once we do, we will not be commenting on it any further."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (61868)
Related
- The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
- 2 skiers killed, 1 rescued after Utah avalanche
- Baby giraffe panics, dies after its head got stuck in a hay feeder at Roosevelt Park Zoo
- Oklahoma death row inmate who killed a bank guard is incompetent for execution, judge says
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- Planet Fitness raises membership fee for first time since 1998
- Killing of an airman by Florida deputy is among cases of Black people being shot in their homes
- Oklahoma death row inmate who killed a bank guard is incompetent for execution, judge says
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Leaked PlayStation Store image appears to reveals cover of 'EA Sports College Football 25' game
Ranking
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- A cyberattack on a big US health system diverts ambulances and takes records offline
- From 'The Iron Claw' to 'The Idea of You,' here are 10 movies you need to stream right now
- Former Miss USA staffer says organization caused pageant winners' mental health to decline
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Diss tracks go beyond rap: Some of the most memorable battles date back more than 50 years
- A gay couple is suing NYC for IVF benefits. It could expand coverage for workers nationwide
- Transgender activists flood Utah tip line with hoax reports to block bathroom law enforcement
Recommendation
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Man pleads guilty in theft of bronze Jackie Robinson statue from Kansas park
Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafrenière fuel Rangers' comeback in Game 3 win vs. Hurricanes
Phoenix Suns part ways with Frank Vogel after one season
As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
Officer fatally shoots armed suspect in domestic disturbance that injured man, police say
Three-time MVP Mike Trout opted for surgery instead of being season-long DH
Two hikers found dead on Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the 'lower 48'