Hidden True Crime - RUBY FRANKE/JODI HILDEBRANDT: SENTENCED! Law & Crime with Hidden True Crime Reports. Listen to Full sentencing

Episode Date: February 28, 2024

Justice is served in a Utah courtroom on February 20th, 2024 in the case of YouTuber mom Ruby Franke and her therapist Jodi Hildebrandt. Hidden Host Lauren Matthias reported live that morning from St George, Utah on the Law and Crime Network. While Lauren reports live, Listen to Ruby and Jodi's full sentencing statements as well as the press conference following the news. August 30, 2023--a brave 12-year-old boy escapes a house of torture in Southern Utah --rescuing himself and his 10-year-old sister. A neighbor feeds the emaciated boy and calls 911. The children's mother YouTube Celebrity Ruby Franke, and Ruby's therapist Jodi Hildebrandt, are arrested and charged with 6 counts of aggravated child abuse. Stay tuned for additional episodes and a full report of the days events. Host and psychologist Dr John Matthias will also soon weigh in on the statements. Our Sponsors:* Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: https://acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Armoire and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: https://www.armoire.style* Check out Effecty and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: https://www.effecty.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: https://happymammoth.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lately, I've been trying to be more intentional about what I wear, intentional about everything, just choosing pieces that feel effortless, still put together, timeless, but also not overthinking it every morning. It's why I keep going back to quince. Their pieces just make getting dressed easier and I feel so classy. I feel elevated. The fits are flattering. The fabric is really high quality. Everything is wearable day to day. I actually got this really, really, beautiful yellow V-neck midi dress from them, and I paired it with some Italian leather sandals. It's one of those outfits that just works. It feels polished but still comfortable. It's exactly what I've been looking for. What surprises me, though, is the quality for the price. Quince uses

premium materials like European linen, organic cotton, but they cut out the middleman. So everything is priced way lower than you'd expect. Refresh. your every day with luxury you can actually use. Head to quince.com slash hidden true crime for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's quince, quince, q-u-in-c-com slash hidden true crime for free shipping and 365 day of returns. Quince.com slash hidden true crime. Bring in Lauren Matthias with us as a journalist and host of the hidden true crime. Lauren, can you give us an idea of what's going on in that court report? that right now. It sounds to me like it's the lawyers trying to justify to the judge the plea

agreement so that the judge accepts the plea and goes forward with sentencing. What's your thoughts? It's interesting to hear that Pat is there as well as Kevin and that Kevin is crying. I think that what they're, you know, what we're going to learn today is, is it going to be consecutive? And I think that that's what everybody is waiting with faded breath and wanting to know. And it sounds like we're going to find out. Let's see. Hidden, a true crime podcast. A forensic psychologist and a journalist explore the hidden motives behind unthinkable crimes while examining our deepest fears along the way. Yeah, well, Lauren, hidden true crime podcast, hidden true crime, let's talk about that issue because, you know, a lot of the cases that I've handled as a prosecutor, they weren't really hidden. They were, they came right out and were right in front of you, murder cases, things of that nature.

This was something where a crime was literally lying in wait. It was being hidden from the public under the veneer of these individuals who were telling people what to do to raise their children, you know, properly. And yet the level of abuse that we find out was going on here was quite amazing that while there were kind of like signs and people kind of complaining about it, that this was not found out earlier. What are your thoughts as a person that specializes in crime and hidden crime in particular about why this case is a little bit different than most? Right, the hidden motives. Thank you for asking that, Bob. You know, I think one thing is these children thought they were evil and that they were sinning. Yody Hildebrand, a therapist who is in a position of power, someone you're supposed to trust,

that people in the community did trust, then, you know, is charged and convicted as the, abuser in this case and that these children were so brainwashed that they believed that the abuse was their fault. There is this bit of religious element and as well as this idea that we should trust this therapist, that she is in this position of power. I think it gets into a little bit of a cult type of scenario, like a cult leader almost. And that's what I think people are wondering, you know, it's about who was responsible? Was it Jody? Was it Ruby? Of course, they've been charged with the same charges, the four kids. consecutive counts of aggravated abuse. And then the other thing, and I really want to talk to you

about this, is the fact that it was so severe that I want to point out that in the probable cause, it stated life-threatening injuries, you know, take that, think about that for a second, life-threatening injuries, and that they refer to this as torture. You mentioned a concentration camp, and yet this is only a second-degree felony in Utah. And I think that's something that also we need to see as well is that in aggravated abuse in the city of Utah is a second degree felony and I'm really

interested in that and your thoughts on that as well but I think the severity of this abuse that it was a hidden plain sight by people that were prominent, good people in the community is really a big factor in what makes this so shocking as well as a YouTuber mother. Yeah I mean great

great questions and I would like to answer that question sentencing parameters are very difficult as a prosecutor we want to make sure and as a defense lawyer and as a judiciary, that we have reasonable sentencing guidelines. Sometimes one set of guidelines does not fit all, that's for sure. But I'm going to get back to that question, Lauren, because I think it's a good one,

but I'm being told that there's something going on with regard to sentencing in the courtroom, so let's go in. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to District Court. We're here for sentencing in the matter of state of Utah versus Ruby Frankie. Ms. Frankie is here with Mr. Winward,

Mr. Clark, and Mr. Shom are here for the state of Utah. and we are ready to proceed with sentencing. We are. Yes, Your Honor. Counsel, the terms of the sentence were agreed to as part of the plea agreement, correct? That is correct. There is a pre-sentence investigation report in the matter. I have reviewed that. Everyone has seen it.

Yes. What about restitution, counsel, before we move on with other matters? We'd like to leave that open at this time, Your Honor. I can get into that. I might be more comfortable if we approach to get into that. Is there an agreement that restitution that we reserve that and for what period of time? Eight months is what we're anticipating. But I haven't talked to the defense counsel about that.

We haven't discussed that, Your Honor. Is there any objection? All right. What's the state's position regarding sentencing? Your Honor, the state, I'll stand up. The state respectfully requests the court sentence Ms. Frankie to consecutive prison terms for each of the four counts of aggravated child abuse. This sentence was agreed to by Ms. Frankie in her plea agreement

and is also recommended by adult probation of parole. She committed horrible acts of child abuse. From May to August in 2003, Ms. Frankie and her business partner held her two children, ages 9 and 11 turning 12 in a concentration camp like setting. The children were regularly denied food, water, beds to sleep in, and virtually all forms of entertainment. They were isolated from others and were hidden when people came to visit the house where the children and the defendants were staying. The children were forced to do physical tasks like carrying loaded boxes up and downstairs and wall sits

were sitting against a wall without a chair of stool for hours at a time. They were also forced to do manual labor outdoors in the extreme summer heat at times without shoes or socks. They were forced to stand outside on a cement patio in the summer heat for hours and even days at a time. They were beaten 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 that required high. hospitalization when they were found. The injuries from the binding to the 12-year-old are particularly awful. In addition to physical abuse, the children were emotionally abused to the extent that each believed to some degree that they deserved what was being done to them. Had the older of the children

not had the courage to run away and ask a neighbor to call the police, heaven only knows how much longer, he could have survived in that situation. After being caught, Ms. Frankie has shown considerable remorse as evidenced by agreeing to serve consecutive prison terms and being willing to cooperate with the state against Ms. Hilderbrand. However, given the severity of the abuse she inflicted, consecutive terms are appropriate in this case. As the court's aware, Section 76-3401 lays out of factors the court takes into account. in determining whether consecutive or concurrent sentences should be imposed.

Those factors are the gravity and circumstances of the offense, the number of victims, and the history, character, and rehabilitated needs of the defendant. As agreed to in the plea agreement, and is recommended by adult probation and parole, consecutive sentences are appropriate. This is due to the severity of the abuse to both victims. It could be argued that Ms. Frankie should receive a lesser sentence than Ms. Hildebrandt because of her remorse and willingness to cooperate with the state. However, the Board of Bards and Parliaments and parole will have broad latitude

and will be able to take those facts into account when it determines how long each of the co-defendants will remain incarcerated. In conclusion, we respectfully request of the court go along with what was agreed to in the plea agreement and is recommended by the evildopulation of parole and impose consecutive sentences. Thank you. Anything else from the state? No, you're not here. Mr. Linnward?

Thank you, Your Honor. Good morning. In my few comments this morning, and in the comments my client wishes to make in a few minutes, we are not suggesting, nor are we asking that the court deviate from the stipulated sentence contained in the written plea agreement. I want the court to know that through introspection and reflection, Ruby Frankie has become a serious student of her own actions. In the very early days of my involvement with Ruby, she was somewhat defensive, and she was still very much. and doctrinated into a philosophy that was destructive. Ruby 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 it wildly.

I have marveled at how quickly Ruby abandoning her defensive stance and moved toward her total acceptance of her actions and to her sentence today. So far, she has used her time in jail to unwrap the line. layers upon layers of deceit and deception, forced it upon her over the last four years by an unscrupulous individual. Ruby realizes that she still has work to do in shedding those thinking errors and to reestablish a better and correct pattern of thinking and behavior. Ruby realizes that changing her thinking,

reestablishing relationships, and heating are not simple or easy tasks. However, she is committed to doing that work. I would like the court to know that Ruby Frankie is a delightful, respectful, and responsible person. She is open to feedback and addressing the consequences of her actions head on, and now ready to address your honor and accept your judgment. Thank you, Judge Walton. Thank you. Ms. Frankie has a statement she'd like to make?

She does. Judge Walton. You don't have to bend down then. Okay. Thank you. I would like to make a statement without a statement. any intent to change my stipulated sentence. For the past four years, I've chosen to follow counsel and guidance that has led me into a dark

delusion. My distorted version of reality went largely unchecked as I would isolate from anyone who challenged me. I was led to believe that this world was an evil place, filled with cops who control, hospitals that injure, government agencies that brainwash, church leaders who live. lie in lust, husbands who refuse to protect, and children who need abused. My choice to believe and behave this paranoia culminated into criminal activity for which I stand before you today ready to take accountability. Jody Hill de Blant was never my business partner, nor was all

employed by her. I have never received wages from her, or or connections. Jody was employed as my son's counselor in 2019, and in 2020, I paid her to be my mentor. It is important to me to demonstrate my remorse and regret without blame. I take full accountability for my choices, and it is my preference that I'll serve a prison sentence. Thank you to the officers in Santa Clara and the Ivan City Police. Brian Polifo Saipikovit Mike Pandario in Tober

John Ward De Lewis and Chief Flowers You were the angels who came and saved my children. I especially want to thank Detective Jay Bate She plucked me all the situation I didn't know how to get

out of and the moment she had kept me was the moment I gained my freedom you were not the controlling ones. I was. Thank you to the medical staff at Intermountain Hospital. Your skill, tenderness, and professionalism helped heal my children. Jody and I inflicted the injuries, not the hospital. Thank you to DCFS, the Children's Justice Center,

George Basil, and other key adults. You've gathered my children under your wing and offered them love, compassion, encouragement. You were not the ones who were doing the bonewashing. Thank you to my Bishop Tom Hawks and my state president, Jim Nelson. Me of the Lord's love for the lost. So much pain and suffering would have been avoided had I followed and heeded your counsel. I was the one who was deceived, not you.

Thank you to the Washington County Prosecutor's Office. Ryan Shaw, the legal assistance and discovery clerks. Eric Clark, you exemplify to me how justice and mercy are meant to coexist. My charges are just. They offer safety to my family, accountability to the public, and they did show mercy to me. Thank you to my attorney Lamar, Winward and his staff. I would not be where I am today without them. Thank you to Randy Kester for your limitless energy in healing my family.

My dear friends, Pam and Roy, I am so sorry for letting you down. Because of your association with me, your innocence was called into question. My mother-in-law, father-in-law, Kevin's family, my cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and neighbors, you all saw the warning signs. long before I did, and you did what you could. You wanted to help, but I pushed you away. My mother and father, I have been utterly wretched to you. You have offered me unconditional love, and for that I have offered you unconditional contempt.

My siblings and their spouses, because of my decision to roll around in a pig style, I have drugged your families through the mud in public. Yet, when I desired to return as a provable sister, unlike the prodigal's brother in the Bible, you seemed stuck with my parents and ran out to greet me. Your capacity to love is unprecedented. Kevin, my husband with birth in 23 years. You are the love of my life.

So I'm starting to leave to finish, but we both started together. The ending of our marriage is a tragedy. And we're all around to my six little chicks. You were part of us consistently, running you to safety. I can smell. In the past four years, I was in a deep undercurrent that led us to danger.

There's no angrily. I was so disarranted. Dark was light and light was wrong. Anything in this world for you. My way was to sacrifice all for you was massively manipulated into something very ugly. I took for all that was soft and safe and good. I took for the last of been for you. My choice to live in view of the world has created a great vulnerability and a blind spot for me.

and I've caused people to suffer and I have betrayed sacred trust. Watching my community respond to my charges with justice and mercy and grace and love. There's all my evidence today. How wrong? This world is full of really good people. For twisting God's word and distorting his doctrines. His desire is to stand in his quotes and be spotless and confident. and George Walton, I know, standing before you today is a necessary step towards that end.

Thank you to you and your staff for facilitating my opportunity to take accountability and to answer for my charges. I am humbled and willing to serve a prison sentence as long as it takes to continue unwavering all of the disinformation I have believed and bought, swallowed and acted out. And for my family to heal and for the community to heal. And I understand this is going to take time. I'm committed to continuing my learning until all of my toxic layers are shed. And I am ready to reenter as a contributing member of our beautiful society. Thank you, Judge Walton. Most people don't realize how much their personal information is being bought and sold every day.

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industry. It is happiness at work from AI products. Thank you for your statement Mr. Rankie.

Anything else, Mr. Winward? Anything else prior to the court-imposing sentence? No, Your Honor.

The sentence will be that Ms. Frankie serve four counts for one to 15 year sentences based on her convictions for four counts of aggravated child abuse. Again, they will be served consecutively pursuant to the party's

agreement and the applicable statute. Under the applicable statute, the court finds that consecutive sentences are appropriate. Ms. Frankie, the last thing I do need to tell you is that you have only 30 days to file or to perfect an appeal of any errors 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 to have one appointed if you cannot afford to hire your own. Restitution, as agreed by the parties, will remain open for a period of eight months. Any of the parties can bring that matter back before the court within that period of time.

Anything else? Thank you. The next matter before the court is State of Utah versus Hilda Brandt. Case 231501-763 is here representing Ms. Hilda Brand. Mr. Shom and Mr. Clark are here representing the state. Your Honor, we anticipated 1030. I'm not saying that we need to wait until them, but can I have a moment, please? Approach.

Court recalls the matter of state of Utah versus Hilda Brandt. Case 231-501-763. Counselor present, Ms. Hildebrand is present. counsel there is a pre-sentence investigation report I have read it everyone has seen and reviewed that yes your honor yes your honor again the sentence was stipulated at the time

of the plea agreement what what record do we need to make other than going forward with sentencing I your honor it would be repetitive so I had the same statement just with the last few paragraphs where I was differentiating between Ms. Frankie and Ms. Hill the Brand. Okay, let's talk about housekeeping matters first.

What about restitution? We've stipulated to keep that open for eight months. It is appropriate, Your 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, it's completely appropriate for the court to make no orders with respect to restitution other than to reserve all issues regarding restitution, and we have no issue with the eight-month time frame. And the injunction that was previously issued by the court will remain in effect,

at least until that time? It will remain in effect until further order of this court. All right. Mr. Clark? Thanks, Your Honor. The state of Utah respectfully requests that the court sentenced Ms. Hildebrandt the consecutive prison terms for each of the four counts of aggravated child abuse to which she has pleaded guilty. The sentence was agreed to her in her plea agreement and is also recommended by adult probation and parole.

Ms. Hilda Brant committed awful acts of child abuse. From May to August, 2003, she and her business partner held two children, ages 9 and 11 turning 12, in a concentration camp-like setting in her house in Ivan City. The children were regularly denied food, water, beds to sleep in, and virtually all forms of entertainment. They were isolated from others and were hidden when people came to visit the house. They were forced to do physical tasks like carrying loaded boxes up and downstairs and during wall sits or sitting against a wall without assistance of a chair of stool for hours at a time. They were forced to do manual labor outdoors in the extreme summer heat, often without shoes or socks.

and they were also forced to stand outside on a cement patio in the summer heat for hours and even days. They were beaten 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 that required hospitalization to treat.

The injuries from the binding are particularly bad. In addition to the physical abuse, the children were emotionally abused. They each believed to some degree that they deserved what was being done to them. Had the older of the two children not had the courage to run away and asking a neighbor to call the police, heaven only knows how much longer he could have survived.

After being caught, Ms. Hilda Brandt has shown little to no remorse for her actions. In telephone conversations that will be provided in full to the Board of Pardons and Parole, and which she knew to be recorded, she's repeatedly claimed that she is the victim and the children of the perpetrators. She has gone so far as to say that the things said, in this proceeding and covered by the media today will be full of lies. The combination of three factors

make Ms. Hildebrand a significant threat to the community. First, the severity of the abuse she caused to be inflicted on young children. Second, her attitude that everything she did was justified and that she is being wrongfully imprisoned. And third,

her training is a therapist and aptitude for using online resources to convince others to follow her guidance. Utah Code, Section 6. 76, 3, 401 lays out three 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 third is a history, character, and rehabilitative need of the defendant. As agreed to in the plea agreement and is recommended by adult probation and parole, consecutive sentences are appropriate here.

This is due to the severity of the abuse to the two victims and the extreme need for miscarriage. Hildebrand to be rehabilitated so that she no longer will present a risk to the community. The state respectfully requests that she be sentenced to four consecutive terms. Thank you, Mr. Clark. Mr. Terry. Thank you, Your Honor. I will be brief. As is always the case in cases that come before courts, there are two sides to every case. and even in a case like this, that remains the case.

There are many, many allegations regarding these two individuals, Ms. Frankie and my client, Ms. Hildebrand. The only facts in this case that are adjudicated facts are those set forth in the plea. that she entered into, that she entered into freely and knowingly and voluntarily. Those facts, those adjudicated facts are significant. They certainly provide a basis for the pleas and provide a basis for the stipulated sentence in this case. My experience with Ms. Hildebrand 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 four consecutive sentences she did that at the time she entered into the plea agreement knowing that that would be the court's order she is before the court today knowing that that would be the court's order

and she fully accepts that she accepts responsibility and she accepts the consequences for her conduct we will submit it to the court on the stipulated agreement. Mr. Terry, you suggested that there are two sides to every case. I generally agree with you. Ms. Hildebrand didn't make a statement to AP&P in the course of the pre-sentence investigation report.

Correct. Why did she not make a statement? She wanted to reserve her right to make a statement before the court today, and she has a brief statement that she wants to read. Okay. And Ryan? Please heal the grants. Go ahead. I sincerely love these children. I 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 the experience which would have been detrimental to them. My hope and prayer is that they will heal and move forward to have beautiful lives. I am willing to submit to what the state feels would be an appropriate amount of time served to make restribution as an outcome. And in answer to your question, Your Honor, I knew that whatever she might say to the author of the pre-sentence report would probably be sound hollow and self-serving, and perhaps it does today. but I know that my client in the statement that she makes to the court today,

that that statement is absolutely sincere. Is Hilda Brandt recognized that it's her behavior that caused the harm to the children that she's referred to in her statement? Your Honor, she recognizes that she was, along with Ms. Frankie, that she made decisions with respect to the discipline of those children, that were wrong that caused harm to those children. She fully recognizes that and accepts responsibility for that. All right. Anything else?

No, you're on. No, you're on. Okay. This Hilda Brandt, this circumstance is tragic. It's largely, 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 case, you terrorize children, and the results have been tragic.

It's happened to these children, and your philosophy in dealing with them frankly seems detached from reality or any objective standard of decency 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 76-3-401, given the gravity and circumstances of the offenses, the number of victims and the history and character and needs of the defendant that consecutive sentences are appropriate,

the court imposes four one to 15-year sentences to be again served concord. consecutively for each of the four counts of aggravated child abuse. The last thing I do need to tell you is that you only have 30 days to file or perfect an appeal of any error of the court by filing a written notice of appeal with the clerk of the court. If you don't do that, you will 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 own. Thank you. We're in recess.

Well, I don't know about you, folks, but I found that those two sentencing to be extraordinary. I've seen this a lot in my career. I've never quite seen a defense fall on the sword and give such a detail. I think heartfelt reaction to an insight into their crime and how it affected the community, affected their marriage, affected her family, affected her friends, and more importantly affected her children. And that's important, I think you would agree, because when the parole board is going to be looking at paroleing somebody, they want to see if you have insight into your conduct, that you're less likely to be re-involved in a criminal justice system. And let's juxtapose that with Hilda Brand, who did not give a statement to the probation department, the judge making a notation about that.

That wasn't a pleasant response the judge was asking. He was making a point to say that in his mind, I'm giving you the in-between lines, that there is no remorse, there is no acceptance of responsibility. And then the statement that she gave was lackluster, if not in my opinion, harmful. The lawyer had to basically answer some of the questions for the client. And the judge at the end goes after her by saying that she's detached from reality and emphasizing that as a professional, sorry for the long-winded statement slash question. As a professional, she should have known better. Now, here's my question to you.

I am not sure how this system operates. It's different. I guess the parole board is going to make the decision here. Most people don't realize how much their personal information is being bought and sold every day. Data brokers are making billions, pulling details about you from public records and the Internet, and then packaging and selling it, usually without your consent. That's how your information lands in the hands of skin. spammers,

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Start your free trial today at ORA.com slash remove. Protect yourself now at aura.com slash remove. Second of sentencing, it can be anywhere from four to 60 years. But I'll tell you one thing right now. If the sentencing were something that the parole board is going to look at, which they will, and the judge's comments, which they will. and the allocution of the defendants, which they will, Jody certainly assisted herself and, I'm sorry, Ruby,

certainly assisted herself, Ruby Frankie and Jody Hildebrand, in my opinion, harmed her. What are your thoughts? So, first of all, hi, Bob, hi, hi, Lauren, nice to see both of you. As a criminal defense attorney, I want to say that Ruby's allocution statement, her statement of mitigation, made me understand the police. agreement for the first time. This is strategy. So the strategy was to, like you said, throw herself on the sword, make herself seem as remorseful as possible because she's thinking about the long run when she gets in front of the parole board. Utah is real different. So they don't have, like in

my state, you have to serve a certain percentage before you're eligible for parole. The way the counts go is one to 15 years for each count. And so at that one year mark, she's going, to have the ability to be before the parole board. She's been held since August. She has credit for that. And so she's already signaling to them her remorse. And obviously, Jody Hildebrandt is more combative and less remorseful. That comes across very clearly. But I want to be very clear here. Do not be fooled. Ruby Frankie's abuse of her children existed before she ever met Jokelda Hildebrand. And that was shown on her YouTube channel. She abused those children on YouTube, and people saw it and complained about it, and she eventually took her channel down. So it might be

that things escalated and ramped up because these two malignant personalities got together, but it is not that Ruby Frankie is some, you know, some babe in the woods that was led astray by the evil Jody Hilderbrandt. The two of them were simpatico and how they mishandled and mistreated these children. Yeah, agreed, and a very good point. But, you know, I tell you, this is, I think, what the problem is for judges, parole, people, and prosecutors, for that matter.

The statement on paper was excellent. The question is whether it was heartfelt. Now, being told right now that there is actually a press conference by the prosecutor, let's go to it. Actively hiding things and because the abuse was horrific,

and it would have been apparent to anybody that would have seen the kids that something was wrong here. Is this some of the worst child abuse you've seen in your career? Yes, and not just in my career, but in our office's career, in our institutional memory, this is one of the worst child abuse cases we've seen. You consider this precedent setting? Can you?

In terms of the actual sentence, can they end up serving? No, because I think the board takes everything into account so specifically. Do you think Joey's going to end up serving more? I hope so. And I hope that Jody does serve more. I think that that would only be fair. I think that Ruby should serve. So the sentence that they got is basically four to 30 years today, right?

The four one-year minimum staff, and then in Utah, you're capped at 30 years. I think that a four-year minimum for Ruby's actions are entirely appropriate. I hope that Jody serves more time than that. and I hope that she isn't out of prison until everybody is completely confident that she's no longer a risk. And to get there, she's going to have to acknowledge that she has done wrong and that you can't use religion as a means to justify your crazy behavior. I'm just trying to understand why would the mother, in your opinion, deserve less time when she's watching, she's torturing her kids, Versus a like a stranger, wouldn't you hold a parent more accountable? And again, so they both got the same deal, right?

Like we didn't give her a less of a minimum time. Part of the mission of what we do when we incarcerate people, obviously want to see justice done. And a mother abusing her children in this way is awful, awful. And people should go to prison for that. something that is really important is that people shouldn't be released from prison unless they've hit the maximum amount of time they should be in or they've done enough that justice has served and it's clear that they're no longer a risk to the community and I'm super concerned that Jody if she were released today is a significant risk to to gather followers

Ruby was essentially a follower of Jody. And if she's gathering that, gathering people, and then convincing them to do this kind of thing, that's a huge risk. And those type of people shouldn't be walking the streets when they've committed these kind of crimes. There was some back and forth with the restitution piece of this. Can you explain where you are with that?

So there were a couple of motions filed over the course of the last month about that. And we anticipate a restitution claim coming in that will cover ongoing therapy and physical care, or like physical recovery if needed, of the victims of these crimes. The state hasn't submitted a claim for restitution yet, and we want to make sure that there's plenty of time for all of that to be kind of analyzed and brought in, before we close out restitution. And that should be the same for both defendants, right? Like both of them will end up with restitution orders against them, I assume.

Thank you. I have a written statement that kind of recapulate some of what I said in there and just talks a little bit about this. You guys are welcome to have that. We'll email that out also. And thanks you guys. Well, Lauren, you know, listen, this is what we were talking about before. There were two completely, was a tale of two different sentencing hearings,

if you will. One who took completely, Ruby Frankie, the mother, complete responsibility. I have never heard people thanking a lot of activity going on out there like she did for being arrested, willing to accept her sentence, knowing she had to go to jail, thanking the police, thanking the prosecutors, apologizing to her parents at a certain point in time and said, you show me unadulterated love, and I've showed you nothing but, you know, unadulterated contempt or words of those language that Kevin, her husband, the love of her of life, is going to have to finish what they started. Really, if she genuinely believes these things, and that's a question we have to ask. It was a gut-wrenching, sentencing with an complete adoption,

Lauren, of acceptance of responsibility. And just before we took that press conference, we saw the co-defendant Jody Hildebrandt with a completely defiant tone, and I think that that is going to hurt her at the end. And sure enough, we find the prosecutor, here says that he believes that the mom should get the minimum four-year sentence, but that Jody, who doesn't have insight into her conduct, should get more exactly what I say. What do you think? I completely agree. You know, this is what we've been hearing. You've had Jesse on a long crime many times, and she's always stated that she believes that their aunt is the one that is, you know, responsible for this. We see the difference in their statements. I've never seen a statement

like that before from someone at a sentencing. Not only is she apologizing, as you point out, she's thanking everyone, one by one, almost like it's an award ceremony. I'd like to thank this person. I'd like to thank this person before I'm headed off to prison. Thank you, everyone. And then you see Jody and they state, even when she was being recorded behind bars and she knew that she was being recorded, she still would not take responsibility. And that statement, that short statement that she made, she never took responsibility. Did you notice that? Her wording, she said that she loved the children. I mean, that was offensive to me, saying that she loved the children, that she abused and that she hoped that they can heal, but never once that she say,

and I am the reason they have to heal. That was missing. She could not say it. And to see the differences there. And then, as you point out, that press conference right now stating, and you know what, we do hope that Jody gets the maximum. That was really interesting. I agree. I'm going to have to cut you off here real quick, because that's why the judge said at the end that she was detached from reality. Let's listen to the defense. because they are now at the mic. With many layers, that happened over many years. It is not one that can be adequately told in one setting,

let alone at a press conference. At Winward Law, we know the sorrow our client filled and the remorse she carries. We know of her commitment to heal and provide healing for her family. We give thanks to all who have provided support during this very difficult process. Thank you. She addressed her.

The judge talked very differently to defendant Hildebrand versus your client. Do you have any comment on that? I'll just leave it to what Judge Walton said. I think he was very accurate. She addressed her husband and children in her statement, yet she never turned around to look at him, not even when she left. You wouldn't know about their communication levels of it?

I don't, because her husband and family have, attorneys, it's difficult for communication to happen except through attorneys. That's an unfortunate consequence sometimes of our legal system in domestic cases. But she didn't even turn around, didn't look at them. That's probably by design. We're addressing the court in that proceeding, even though we address family. What do you affect for the future of her relationship with her children? I'm hoping that those, that healing will happen and that Not just physically, but emotionally and family-wise, that that will be a source of positive in the future. Has she had any family visitors in her time while she's been incarcerated?

Different family members have reached out through the local jail and communicated with her, yes. But not Kevin? Not to my knowledge. Are her children that are older and above 18? Not to my knowledge. Thank you all. What do you think of their sentence for her is ultimately? I have to leave that to the Board of Pardons

because that is their entire province, and mine would be a pure guess. How does that complicate things based on today? Pardon? How does that complicate things based on today? You hear a sentencing, it's very similar to what was already described in court. How does the Board of Pardons and Pearl

fit into this entire nuance here and kind of drag out a process a little bit? They ultimately have the ultimate decision making to determine what is the adequate sentence after periods of time have elapsed. The prosecution said this is the worst child abuse case our offices ever seen. What's it like on the other side of that? I don't think it's the worst. It's bad, but it's not the worst. Are we going to beifying acts?

Thank you all. Douglas Terry, I represent Jody Hilda Brant. Doug, you said two sides to every story. It didn't seem like the judge agreed. What do you make of that back and forth in dialogue? and forth the dialogue. The seriousness of the case, the seriousness of the allegations, the seriousness of the facts that both Ms. Frankie and Ms. Hildebrand pled guilty to. I was not surprised at all by the judge's comments and questions of my client. I'm not prepared to go into specifics

with respect to facts that are disputed in this case. I will stand by what I said on her behalf in the sentencing hearing, and that is that she entered into this plea agreement to take responsibility for her conduct in this case. Her statement that she hopes for both the physical and emotional healing of these children is absolutely sincere. How much time she serves will. ultimately be up to the Board of Partons as with Ms. Frankie.

She said that she loved the children, you know, Chad and Cherry had a smirks and were looked shocked on their faces. Maybe a comment about that? No, I, that doesn't surprise me, but again, she was sincere in that statement. Do you think she should have had more to say? Ruby spoke for a very detailed length of time and Jody had a few sentences. Did you go over that with her? Was there an opportunity for her to say more?

She had the opportunity to say whatever she wanted to say. I did not put words in her mouth. I wanted her to make a statement from the heart. That's what she felt like she needed to convey today that it's about the children, not about her. And that's what she did. The prosecution said there's phone calls that are recorded in which Hildebrand lacks remorse. What do you know about those phone calls? And is she? I know that early on in the case, she had phone calls with individuals that were in support of her,

did not believe that she did the things that she was accused of doing. I have not listened to those phone calls as the county attorney's office has. But again, whatever was said was early in the case, and that is not her position today. So she's changed how she feels as often is the case when individuals are charged, arrested, accused. Sometimes it's a process to come to the point where they take responsibility and accept the consequences. A lot of people have spoken out about other victims in this case, the victims of Jody and other different sorts. And I know this is about the children, but how much is that weighed into what you guys have discussed with Jody? As far as other victims, that has not been a factor.

Well, and prosecutors are saying that they're hoping that Jody gets a lengthier or a heavier sentence. They feel that she's kind of the ringleader in this whole situation. That's the prosecution's position. It has been from the beginning. As I said when we entered into the play agreement, she did not do that because Ms. Frankie had agreed to testify against her. That decision was made before Ms. Frankie ever agreed to testify against her to cooperate with the state. Mr. Terry, you said that there were two sides to every case. What is the side of Jody Hillbredd that were not seen?

I'm not going to go into the specifics of allegations that she agrees with and doesn't agree. with. I will stand by the statement that I made in the sentencing hearing, and that is that the factual basis that is set forth in the plea agreement, those are the only adjudicated facts in the case. She admitted to those facts. She takes responsibility for those facts. She's been sentenced on those facts. This is a small family-oriented community, and her home was essentially likened to a concentration camp. How did she square that? How did she work on living this whole? while there was a House of Forest. I'm not prepared to respond to that.

That's an allegation that I heard for the first time today. I mean, that's a, that's a, that's a characterization by the prosecutors, which again is no surprise. But that's from their perspective, and I'm not prepared to address that. You don't feel that's an accurate description? I do not. You disagree with that? I do. Has Ms. Hilda Wren, has she expressed remorse to you about what happened?

Many times. Many times. What is her remorse? What is she sorry about? That she didn't make different decisions that would have resulted in the children being more protected. Is she delusional? I'm not going to respond to that. Has she had people come visit her family? I know Ruby has a larger family that has been a little bit more present at some of the hearings. Does she had some support in all this?

I don't know that she's had visits, personal visits, but I know that she's been in contact with people who are supportive. court of her. No family though? I'm not I don't know I don't know the answer to that. Is she going to sell her home? I know the rest of the truth can play out for it. It's for sale, yes, based on the fact that we anticipated a prison sentence. Yes, it's for sale. That's all I have. Thank you. Thank you very much. Hi there. Okay, we've got another interview. Do you guys want to know who Jody Hilda brand is? Here, I'll answer your questions. He's her attorney. He can't answer My name's Adam Paul Steed, and if you guys want to know who Jody Hildebrand is, I'll answer tons of questions about her. I know my dad, hey, dad, come here.

Come here, come here, come here. My dad has a file at home that's probably about 2,500 pages of records from court filings and just huge amount of documentation about Jody Hildebrand that we will share with everybody. I want you to know the same court that has ordered us not to share these documents is covering up this racket that Jody Hildebrand had with the Mormon Church in the 4th District Utah County Court. She abused my children in the same way, almost, even in a different type of abuse. I think it could be argued worse. And that was 15 years ago. And I fought against Jody Hildebrot with my family and everybody to stop this monster of a lady. And Jody went after me. She went after me, destroyed my life in the craziest way you could ever think of possible.

Like, I was a victim of sexual abuse at Boy Scouts of America, Camp Little Lem High in Idaho. My dad helped us stop a predator. You can watch Rita and the national press and everything. We changed the laws of sexual abuse so victims could come forward. We got rid of the criminal and civil statute of limitations. The Mormon Church knew who we were. And Elder Heelham, Richard G. Hulam, was like, next. he was the president of the first quorum of the 70, the top, probably executive functioning leader of the whole Mormon church. And he sat with Jody Hildebrand as they destroyed my life

in this court racket, like they've destroyed countless other people's lives. And they even had the gall to order my Mormon stories thing where I brought some documentation off the internet saying that they didn't want me to say bad things to my children or in front of the children about my ex-wife. Well, if you're accused of sexual abuse by Jody Hildebrandt, and if you're ex-wife performed a falsification of sexual abuse that professionals looked at the documentation and said, this is sexual abuse. This is sexual abuse. We have documentation for sexual abuse of my children by Jody Hilder Brandt and my ex-wife. And, you know, this stuff was redacted in the doppel paperwork. It was so horrible that it was redacted. And the courts just recently said, I couldn't

talk about my family and my ex-wife or anything. But if you have children, if you're children were trained to think that your dad was sexual a predator and a monster. So, I'm sorry, we came in a little bit late. Why is it that you wanted to be here? Okay, so there are tons, and it's not Jody Hildebrandt is the tip of the iceberg. The Mormon church was doing this operation where they were using religious beliefs, and they were using ethical therapists to enforce them, and it was an area of exploitation, and it was a horrific area, it was exploitation because it created horrible divorce. that should have been normal divorces.

We're talking about hundreds and thousands of families going through these courts. And Jody was like an icon, her doctor. So here's the problem. So today it sounds like it was a little bit of justice for you too. Oh, Joe, yeah, Ruby Frank. When I saw Ruby Frank, I saw my ex-wife sitting there saying the exact same thing. My ex-wife would have said the exact same thing Ruby Frankie said today. And a lot of other women would have said the same thing.

You have no idea how many victims are out there. Their minds have been messed up so much with this. The prosecutor said that he said that the children thought it was their fault. All of the adult men think it's their fault. All of the women think it's their fault. I have had countless emails and messages. I'm Adam Paul Steed. I'm the guy that got Jody's license from Dopple removed.

Well, my dad and mom get the correct. it. But, you know, and they said that the doppel department said, we have evidence here for criminal charges against Jody. This is 13 years ago. It's identical stuff. So I almost like fell over in the court. Let's be honest. Buying cannabis shouldn't be complicated, sketchy or low quality. That's why I want to tell you about mood.com. That's M-O-O-O-D.com. Mood ships federally legal cannabis straight to your door. No medical card, no hassle. And here's the kick. The quality is better than anything you'll find at your local dispensary. Yeah, I said it. Whether you're into edibles, concentrates, flour, or just looking to explore, you'll find it all at mood. And it's not just

the variety that makes them stand out. Every product is sourced from small American-owned family farms that care deeply about what they grow. It's cannabis you can trust, delivered discreetly, and ready to elevate your mood. And because you're a listener, you get 20% off your first order. just head to mood.com. That's M-O-O-O-D.com to get started. When I heard Jody say that she loved those children, Jody doesn't love children. Jody's like Ted Bundy. In fact, one time I was in a... Do you feel that she should have a longer sentence than... Jody, here's the problem. Somebody hits a person and runs. That's like two variables. A car and someone running. They catch them.

Jody's got like 30 variables, including a huge issue with the Mormon... church racketing. They're all ducking low and covering. In fact, I looked at an email and I can show this to you guys. It's this factual evidence where it should have been a neutral person in the courts. Kelly Peterson, the guardian at light him, when they were punishing me in the family custody courts, he said that my act to turn Jody Hildebrand in was an act of vengeance. And they took my kids away from me because I performed an act of vengeance. That's in the, this court was just, sitting there completely in bed with Jody. They've done it. I talked to Doug Thayer's daughter. She saw relationships, I mean, these aggressive attorneys working with Jody, Commissioner Patton.

All these people know about Jody. The BYU Honor Code Office did a, before they kicked me out of school for being a whistleblower and child abuse, I guess. Jody Hildebrandt went there and told them I was the most dangerous man she'd ever met in her lifetime. She, she has, we have hundreds of pages of this stuff of Jody Hilda Brown working with CHOP church leaders to dispel me. I got kicked out of school in my senior year. This lady, we've got all this documentation of how she talks, how she walks. Now, here's what I do want to say. I don't like Ruby Frankie, but I don't know her.

I just think you have to be a selfish person to fall for Jody's stuff. She's got a certain kind of carrot that gets certain kind of people. But Ruby Frankie would have never done any of this stuff if, Jody Hildebrandt hadn't been the mastermind and just completely, completely created this. Ruby Frankie's not dangerous in the sense. She's not going to go out and do this to more kids, but Jody Hildebrandt will. When we went to Doppel and we went to Doppel, Doppel ordered her to go through all this ethical stuff. She went through the whole thing with shining colors and she turned around and did the same stuff again.

I mean, even when she was teaching us that we were safe to come to her and stuff, She was abusing children at the same time with one hand and teaching a godliness with another hand. So what's her motivation? Jody Hildebrandt had a weird relationship with my ex-wife. It was a dual relationship. It was bordering sexual in nature. I mean, she went through different women that made her look powerful and important. My ex-wife's dad was an area 70 in the Mormon church.

and Jody Hilda Brandt wanted power and but I know her instincts when you're in a pain and suffering when you talk about something and she finds a way to hurt you it makes her blush. It makes her feel euphoric. I've seen her act that way and look that way in the worst of circumstances. So I always compare Jody Hildebrandt to Ted Bundy

because nobody can figure out why a serial killer would kill people. Jody Hildebrandt, she grows off of people's pain and destruction. And when she sat there and said she loved those kids, I almost fell out of my chair. The only thing she'd, her version of loving children is find a way to make them hurt more than anything possible. It's like an energy she feeds off of.

Thank you so much, Adam. Yeah. All right, I didn't. It's a little traumatic for me, so if I monologue, I'm sorry. Does anybody have a question that? Cover a lot. Cover a lot. We got a ton of documentation.

That fourth district court's got to be ducking their heads right now because I do want to say something. There's countless children out there that have been raised to believe their fathers are predators because of Jody Hildebrand. And the fourth district court and other courts involved don't want to show they made mistakes. So who's going to help those children? Like who's going to help them? This is a court public opinion. People need to find out the truth to go help all these children and help all these people come forward. And the fact that the court tried to silence me for being on the front edge of coming forward

is just an example of how the same notorious people in power back then that allowed Jody to do all this stuff are alive and thriving today. And if you give a damn about our children, you've got to do the same thing I do and fight for what's true. Thank you so much, Adam. Thank you, Adam. That was Adam Steed. Excuse me, I'm sorry. I was getting it through my IFB hearing myself. That was Adam Steed, who claims to have been a victim of Jody.

Hildebrand in a sense comparing her to Ted Bundy. So really, really emotional testimony that we're hearing outside of the courthouse now. Bob, I'll send it back to you right now. Yeah. Yes. So, I mean, this is kind of amazing. Look, you're there. Again, another thing I've never seen before, do I understand the guy just walked into a middle of a press conference, completely unannounced, grabbed a microphone, and just started riffing on Hildebrand here, the judge basically got done saying that Hildebrand is detached from reality. And have you ever heard this before? And do you think that this may spark people looking into other cases? Yeah. Yeah, it probably looked a little wild on your end. And that's kind of what happens.

These hearings were super quick. And afterward, we were running after the Frankie family and then spoke to both the prosecutors and defense attorneys too. But it probably looked at. a little bit like what it was that he ran in front of the camera and grabbed our mic. I'm glad that he did, but he did speak with our executive producer, Kathy Russon, ahead of time. So we kind of knew his background a little bit. Now, as far as what we heard from prosecutors, they don't believe that there are going to be any more charges in relation to this case. But potentially, there could be more investigations in similar cases. I mean, this man you just heard from Adam Steed said that there are many more allegations, years of abuse at the hands of Jody Hildebrand. And it kind of echoed

what we've been hearing, especially from the side of Ruby Frankie, that she said that Jody was the ringleader in this, that she was almost brainwashed. And it sounds very similar. I can't confirm what Adam Steed really happened, but that's what he's saying happened to his wife and his family. And he also laid out a lot of abuse. So it sounds like this may not be the last we're hearing about Jody Hildebrand. Yeah. She, you know, he seemed to have a lot of very specific I mean, I'm telling you, the prosecutor of me would have been saying, who is this guy? He's speaking about names. He's speaking about places that he was at.

He's speaking at meetings where people were covering things up. He's speaking how Hildebrand was used to falsely accuse fathers and other individuals of maybe even worse things. I just don't understand. I mean, you can correct me if I'm wrong. Have you ever heard of this guy before? Or in your opinion, is this not something at least law enforcement should pull the threat on to see if there's any legitimacy to it? Because, you know, what I'm thinking of Sierra, when I'm listening to this, is she did a lot of things that the mom, Ruby, is saying she was forced to do or manipulated to do. If this guy, Steele is saying something that this would be going on for over 13 years, there could be a lot of wounded children and families that need to be.

re-corrected if in fact it's accurate. How could this not be looked into? So what we do know is that he has been very outspoken. I mean, you heard from him there 13 to 15 years of this. He has been sounding the alarm, even called himself a self-proclaimed whistleblower in this case. But he's not the first person that we've heard about in this situation. I mean, we know from Jody saying that she was a therapist. She worked with multiple different couples. And this is something we've reported here on Law and Crime Network. It was something we heard straight from Kevin Frankie's attorney, Randy Kester. He talked to us about this a lot, that this is something that Jody did.

She would place a lot of blame on the husband in the situation. And that is what they said led to the separation between Ruby and Kevin. Well, I got to tell you what, it's here. We got, we got people here at the Long Crime Network. We got things coming in on the computer. We got you out there. We got producers work in this case. We got stuff all over.

And so I just got something that I want to read to you at the continued encouragement of Ms. Hildebrand, Ruby systematically pushed those around her away, first myself, and then our sisters, parents, and close friends, and then her husband, and finally her own children. Ruby has clearly been brainwashed. She has been taken advantage of by Ms. Hildebrand. Now, in the absence of Ms. Hildbrand, I see Ruby striving to restore those relationships. Ruby Francis's brother. Ruby Frankie is my older sister by a year and a half. Growing up, we did a lot together and had a lot of shared experiences.

Throughout her life, Ruby has always been an achiever and becomes recognized by authority figures. Her school teachers regularly commend her as she consistently earned high grades. She was praised by her piano teacher, as she excelled in her piano performance as well as competition. We worked at a call center together where she received numerous employee recognitions. Ruby always jumps in with both feet, whether swimming, practicing in the high school marching band or as a school jazz band pianist. So that is definitely something that is of importance. Anyway, we have Ruby Frank's parents. Ruby Frank's parents. We are Ruby Frank's parents. We are currently serving a full-time mission in Serbia. Before Ruby became involved with Jody Hildebrand,

she was a wonderful mother, daughter, sister, and member of the church. All she ever wanted from the time she was a little girl was a family to love and nurture. When she began having troubles with her teenage son Chad, she sought out a family therapist, counselor for help. We noticed a shift in Ruby's thinking the summer of 2020, and by the fall, she cut all ties with us her siblings and close friends. For three years, what brief communications we had with her, she accused us of either things that never happened or were grossly exaggerated the events that did. She was delusional. She was, so deeply brainwashed, we could not recognize her. As her mother and father, we plead with you to show her much mercy as you possibly can. I mean, this is extraordinary. Lauren, what are your thoughts about all this? And add to it from a criminal defense attorney, I think that she has set herself up, Ruby, for a much quicker parole from prison, especially, you could be assured Exhibit A is going to be the prosecutor's press conference that he gave after the sentencing.

Thoughts? You know, one thing that I find interesting is that everyone seems to be in agreeance, even Adam Paul Steve there, that Jody Hildebrandt is more responsible than Ruby Frankie. That might not be the words that they're using. Those are my words, but it seems to be a sort of theme that I've seen. And we're also seeing it, I think, in real time, per remorse, versus Ruby's alleged remorse. And, you know, it's going to be really interesting.

And I think that what we saw there in court is going to absolutely play out when it comes to their sentencing. And I wouldn't be surprised if we now see a very big difference in how they are sentenced. Okay. Now, Lauren, I'm told by our great producers here that you have had a previous opportunity to interview Adam Steed. And again, I don't know anything about it. I saw a guy kind of come onto set, grab a microphone, very animated, very fact-oriented. And my first thing in my poison old mind is I get older, but I think maybe wiser is that either this is a nut with an axe to grind for a reason, or this is a person who is so pent up with anger

that no one has done anything for all these years. And finally now, Hildebrandt is facing the music, and he's coming back to say, If you see, I've been telling you this all along and things need to be reopened. What are your thoughts? You've interviewed him. Yeah, let me clarify who he is with a few facts about him. Adam Paul Steed is absolutely a former patient of Jody Hildebrand. And he is the reason that Jody Hildebrand's license was suspended years ago, not removed,

because she got her license back. and it was, then she was back in play as a licensed therapist, but there was a time in Jody Hildebrand's history, and you can go see that on Utah licensers for therapists, that her license was suspended. And it was Adam Paul Steed and his father, who worked because they were able to show that Jody Hildebrand used Adam and told his religious leaders about things that he said in confidence,

told the BYU Honor Code, and thus he was, according to him, kicked out of, BYU, and I have seen documents, and he is the reason that her license, therapy license was suspended for a time. So that is who Adam Paul State is. He did jump on there and didn't really explain exactly who he was, but he absolutely is somebody who states that his family was, was ruined by Jody and that he was called an abuser. And he's also stated, Adam Palsita stated, that Jody separated him from his wife. And so if that's true, then we're going to we are seeing a pattern here, but he is why her license was suspended. So he is an important

player in this case when it comes to Jody Hildebrand. So Lauren, let's let's pick up a little bit on these points. Now, I'm going to use my own experience as a government official. I know a lot of times that this guy, he has gone out there, this person that you've interviewed. So let me back up. We're talking about Adam Steed here. Is there anything in his background, and I'm looking at this is like a lawyer, that they would have to be concerned about with his credibility. False statements in the past, previous convictions, mental health history, drug and addiction. These are all the things if we're evaluating a witness's testimony, we want to know ahead of time. Anything like that, as I, as a hypothetical prosecutor, am looking at the statements he just made today.

Correct. Great question. No. So he was abused as a Boy Scout, and he was a whistleblower, according to the media and a breaking story in Idaho. You can go back and you can see all of the articles back in the day that he was a whistleblower to abuse going on in Boy Scouts of America in Idaho. And he was an abuse victim. And that went to court, and you can see that. after that, he then became a patient of Jody Hildebrandt to then save his marriage completely separate from that.

So if that helps to give a background, he has not. That is his background. Okay, so we have that as a background, and I assume the case that he filed for the sexual abuse at the hand of the Boy Scots, I believe you said, and it went to court. There were no credibility negative things about him. In fact, he probably prevailed on his case. Is that fair to say? Fair to say. Okay.

So we have a person who has a previous, very, very difficult, emotional and traumatic situation, winds up now with Hildebrand, who's going to be a person who is going to be, you know, counseling him in some way should he perform, who ultimately he is involved in getting her license suspended. She gets it back. But on what basis was he able to accomplish that? Because we have a credible witness who was a whistleblower who won a suit. So again, as a prosecutor, so I'm seeing it.

Okay, he's a credible informant. Okay, that's how I'd see it. He went through a court system. There wasn't an attack on his credibility, no previous convictions. He was a valid witness, won the case. Now he's coming up and talking about this woman. What was it? What happened that led to her suspension?

Great question. So he went, when he started seeing Jody Hildebrandt, he went from being a victim of abusers, himself to then being the abuser, according to Jody Hildebrand, he started telling him, and according to Adam, his wife, that he was an abuser. But there is no, I've looked at documents, I have not seen anything to prove that is the case. I have seen nothing. Then Jody Hildebrand, so he was a student, Adam Palsy was a student at Brigham Young University. They have an honor code there because it is a religious private university. Jody Hildebrandt then informed his religious religious leaders, and as well as the BYU Honor Code Office, of things that Adam says are just

simply not true. And I have seen documents. And I personally believe Adam when it comes to this. So then, because of that breach of confidence, they were able to suspend Jody's license for a time, therapy license. And this is important too. But Jody Hildebrandt was part of LDS Family Services, a therapist for LDS Family Services. But after Adam Paul Steed got her license suspended, she no longer was part of LDS Family Services. So it was a big major moment when it came to Jody Hildebrand's career, what Adam Paul Steed did, and that is who he is.

Yeah, and what I'm hearing, too, from all of that, is that there's a lot of very powerful people that have some answering to do, it would seem to me, about everything that way went on here. Hello, Hidden Gems. It's Lauren with Hidden a True Crime podcast. Hit the subscribe button for surprise lives and breaking news. And for exclusive content, things Dr. John and I only dare say behind a paywall, become a Patreon member at patreon.com slash hidden true crime. You'll find bonus episodes, early releases, and insider info. Thank you for your endless support. Most people don't realize how much their personal information is being bought and sold every day. Data brokers are making billions, pulling details about you from public records and the internet, and then packaging and selling it, usually without your consent.

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