Where is Jodi Hildebrandt now? Subject of Netflix’s Evil Influencer series

As a huge documentary fan, I was really disturbed by the director’s last film, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, so I was definitely intrigued – and honestly, a little apprehensive – when I heard about their new one, Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story. It promises to be another truly shocking look at a difficult subject.

This full-length documentary tells the story of Hildebrandt’s growing influence in her community, and how it led to the discovery of abuse and the saving of two children.

Director Skye Borgman explained to Tudum that everything unfolded publicly for the world to see. She emphasized that manipulative behavior and controlling tactics can occur right before our eyes, and it’s crucial to recognize this if we want to stop it from happening in the future.

Read on to learn further about Jodi Hildebrandt and her crimes, and where she is as of 2026.

Who is Jodi Hildebrandt?

Jodi Hildebrandt is a former therapist and counsellor.

Hildebrandt has generally kept her personal life private, but she married in 1993 and later had two children with her former husband.

After her divorce in 1996, Hildebrandt went back to school, first studying English and later earning a master’s degree in psychology in 2003.

I remember when she first started her relationship counselling business, ConneXions. It really took off! It was all about giving people the tools they needed to build better lives and stronger relationships – a place to learn how to make things work. It’s a shame it’s no longer around, but it helped so many people back then.

According to People magazine, ConneXions provided a range of therapy services, including individual, group, couples, and family sessions. They also hosted week-long programs and workshops. Reports estimated that Hildebrandt was making around $46,000 each month.

How did Jodi Hildebrandt know Ruby Franke?

In 2019, Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke connected when Ruby and her then-husband, Kevin, sought counseling from Jodi.

Ruby quickly became well-known in several ConneXions classes and videos, and she and the team frequently worked together.

Around this time, people who watched Ruby Franke’s old YouTube channel, 8 Passengers, started to question some of the videos they were seeing.

I was shocked to see a video where Franke explained that her daughter needed to go hungry because she’d forgotten her lunch at school. It was really disturbing to hear her say it like that.

She explained in a video (according to BBC News) that she doesn’t want anyone to feed the child or give her lunch, as she believes it will hinder her learning. In 2023, Hildebrandt and Ruby brought Ruby’s youngest children to live with Hildebrandt in Utah, where they were subjected to harsh discipline.

Prosecutors stated that Ms. Franke and Ms. Hildebrandt kept Franke’s 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter in conditions similar to a work camp. The children were routinely deprived of basic necessities like food, water, beds, and any form of recreation.

When did Jodi Hildebrandt get arrested?

In August 2023, Hildebrandt was arrested after Ruby’s 12-year-old son escaped through a window and went to a neighbor’s house, seeking food and water.

I saw the boy, and he looked terribly thin and weak. He had duct tape wrapped around his wrists and ankles, which was really concerning, so I immediately called the police.

What was Jodi Hildebrandt charged with?

Jodi Hildebrandt was charged with six counts of felony child abuse.

In December 2023, she pleaded guilty to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse.

What was Jodi Hildebrandt sentenced to?

Hildebrandt was sentenced to four consecutive terms of one to 15 years in February 2024.

Her first parole hearing is set for December 2026.