Netflix title card — Photo Credit: Megan Briggs via Getty Images

Is Netflix True Crime Doc Evil Influencer Subject Jodi Hildebrandt Still in Jail?

January 15, 2026

As seen in the new Netflix True Crime documentary, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story, Jodi Hildebrandt was a licensed therapist in Utah. When she met Ruby Franke, a content creator, within their shared religious community, the pair instantly bonded. They both had large online platforms, since Ruby ran 8 Passengers, a vlog about her family, while Jodi ran a life-coaching company called ConneXions. But when Jodi inserted herself into Ruby’s life, trying to counsel her new friend with parenting advice for her six children, Ruby leaned into her garbage wisdom, and this move ultimately resulted in their 2023 arrests. So, is Jodi still behind bars in 2026?

Is Jodi Hildebrandt still in jail?

Ruby Franke — Photo Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

In this heartbreaking documentary, we learned that Ruby and her then-husband, Kevin, sought out a counselor. They were struggling with one of their sons. So, their community suggested they turn to Jodi, which they did. Shortly after, Jodi began providing therapy sessions for their family.

Jodi and Ruby grew even closer during this time. They even created a podcast and online presence called “Moms of Truth.” But as their friendship deepened, Ruby’s marriage fell apart. Kevin moved out, but their children remained with Ruby.

Sadly, without their father around, Jodi’s instructions, centered around religious extremism, cranked into higher gears. Her counseling resulted in the horrific abuse and neglect of two of Ruby’s children, whom Ruby purposely separated from their other siblings. Thankfully, one of these two children managed to escape from Jodi’s home, where they were both being held prisoner. And then the police arrived, promptly arresting Jodi and Ruby.

On February 20, 2024, Jodi and Ruby received their sentence: four to thirty years in the Utah State Prison, the maximum sentence for this type of offense. To date, both parties remain in prison. However, this December, Jodi will make her first appearance with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole.

Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story is streaming on Netflix.

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Amy is a former teacher who used reality television as a form of escapism during her decade spent in the classroom. In addition to education, she also studied and performed long-form improvisation while mastering the art of comedic sketch writing via the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater in NYC. Amy has interviewed reality television stars from the Real Housewives and Below Deck franchises, as well as each of the winners from E!'s OMG Fashun.