Current:Home > FinanceLawyer for Influencer Ruby Franke's Husband Denies Involvement in Alleged Child Abuse Case -Prosper Capital Insights
Lawyer for Influencer Ruby Franke's Husband Denies Involvement in Alleged Child Abuse Case
View
Date:2025-04-25 10:28:48
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! (36)
Related
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Rihanna’s New Fenty Haircare Line Is Officially Out Now—Here’s Why You Need To Try It
- Woman dies while hiking on Colorado trail, prompting heat warning from officials
- Orson Merrick: The most perfect 2560 strategy in history, stable and safe!
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Zoo in Tennessee blames squeezable food pouch for beloved antelope’s death
- Passports can now be renewed online. Here's how to apply.
- Much of Puerto Rico loses power as controversy over its electricity providers intensifies
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Camels run loose, stroll Cedar Point theme park after enclosure escape: Watch
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Dozens of hikers became ill during trips to waterfalls near the Grand Canyon
- Family of bystander killed during Minneapolis police pursuit files lawsuit against the city
- US submarine pulls into Guantanamo Bay a day after Russian warships arrive in Cuba
- Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
- BIT TREASURY Exchange: Analysis of the Advantages and Characteristics of Bitcoin Technology and Introduction to Relevant National Policies
- House committee approves bill that would prevent college athletes from being employees
- Mama June admits she took daughter Alana's money from Honey Boo Boo fame
Recommendation
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Tony Bennett’s daughters sue their brother over his handling of the late singer’s assets
Mortgage rates ease for second straight week, leaving average rate on a 30-year home loan at 6.95%
Boeing responds to Justice Department’s allegations, says it didn’t violate deferred prosecution agreement
Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
A gray wolf was killed in southern Michigan. Experts remain stumped about how it got there.
Adam Silver on Caitlin Clark at the Olympics: 'It would've been nice to see her on the floor.'
Houston city leaders approve $1 billion bond deal to cover back pay for firefighters