"How did two individuals seemingly manage to pull the wool over so many eyes, manipulating systems and minds to their advantage?"
In a recent episode of the podcast "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski delves into the unsettling tales of Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrant. With Lori Hellis, an author and criminal defense lawyer, they shed light on the complexities surrounding these figures, who, under the veneer of respectability, allegedly perpetuated a web of deceit.
For the uninitiated, on the surface, Franke, as Brueski observes, appeared to be nothing more than "a strict parent." However, scratch beneath the surface and a much more sinister portrait emerges. "She really tried to massage this image and portray herself in one way where what we're learning, if true, [is] quite a monster on the other side," Brueski remarked. This observation becomes even more chilling as we learn that even Franke's own sisters were reportedly unaware of her activities.
What is particularly alarming in these narratives is the seeming pattern of isolation. Hildebrant, much like Franke, seems to have a propensity for pushing away those who raise concerns. Hellis draws a parallel with the Lori Vallow case, stating, "We saw it in the Lori Vallow case. I mean, she cut off her entire family on the Cox side of the family. She cut them all off because they questioned what she was doing." This behavioral trait – the isolation from family and friends – appears to be a recurring theme among individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies.
As the conversation progressed, the connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) emerged. Both Franke and Hildebrant had affiliations with the church, and what Hellis reveals next is indeed troubling.
"Here's what I find very troubling about the Hildebrand and Frankie case," Hellis began. Jodi Hildebrand, notably a therapist with an MSW in social work, was reportedly on numerous church referral lists. This means that she was actively receiving clients from the church, with church leaders referring members to her for therapeutic sessions. The implications of such a dynamic become deeply problematic when the depth of Hildebrant's alleged actions is considered.
In a revealing interview, Jodi Hildebrand's niece, Jessie, unveiled that she was subjected to Hildebrant's so-called therapeutic techniques. More alarming is that Jessie was tasked with handling the billing for Hildebrant's "therapy practice." What left Jessie deeply disturbed was the revelation that "about 80 percent of the billing was being paid for by the LDS church."
The LDS Church, known for its compassionate endeavors, would fund counseling sessions for members in need. In this twisted tale, not only was the church unintentionally endorsing someone potentially causing harm, but it was also financially supporting it. As Brueski poignantly notes, while there's nothing inherently wrong with church-funded counseling, the misuse and abuse of such a system are "sickening."
The Franke-Hildebrant narrative forces us to question the systems in place, their vulnerabilities, and the lengths to which individuals might go to exploit them. The intertwining of personal ambition, alleged malpractice, and institutional trust provides a cautionary tale about vigilance, accountability, and the ever-present danger of deception lurking beneath seemingly benign exteriors.
"In a world where appearances can be manipulated, how do we ensure that those entrusted with power and influence remain true to their responsibilities?"
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at
https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com