Pool Media Opens for Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt Original Parole Hearings 

Additionally, because the Board’s hearing room is located within the secure perimeter of USCF, physical attendance is limited to parties with a direct interest in the cases and the pooled media representatives for security reasons. To accommodate public interest and fulfill open meeting requirements, the audio and video for both hearings will be livestreamed on the Board’s website. Media outlets are permitted to record the livestream for archival or later broadcast use; however, re-streaming or broadcasting the live feed while in progress is strictly prohibited under Board rules.

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PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Board of Pardons and Parole Sets Original Parole Hearing Dates for Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 23, 2026) – The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole announced that the Original Parole Hearing for Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt will be held on December 7, 2026 at 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM respectively, in the Board’s courtroom at the Utah State Correctional Facility (USCF).

Because the Board’s hearing room is located within the secure perimeter of the Utah State Correctional Facility and for security reasons, physical attendance is limited strictly to parties with a direct interest in the cases.

To accommodate public interest and fulfill open meeting requirements, the audio and video for both hearings will be livestreamed on the Board’s website. A link to the feed will be posted on the morning of the hearings on the homepage of bop.utah.gov. Please note that re-streaming or broadcasting the live feed is strictly prohibited under Board rules.

Pooled media will be utilized to cover the hearings. A separate media advisory will be issued with instructions on how news organizations can apply for pool coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Original Parole Hearing?

An Original Parole Hearing is the first time an individual appears before the Board of Pardons and Parole to be considered for parole. The hearing is conducted by a hearing official who reviews the underlying offense, progress made during incarceration, and proposed release plans with the offender. Victims of record also have the opportunity to make statements during the hearing. Following the hearing, the Board will make a decision by majority vote. The Board can deny parole, grant parole, or set a future hearing date. Board decisions are taken under advisement and then made after the hearing  and are posted on the Board’s website.

Why is this hearing taking place at this time?

Utah operates under an indeterminate sentencing system where the trial judge imposes a statutory time range rather than a fixed number of years. Following sentencing, the Board uses Utah’s Adult Sentencing and Supervision Guidelines to calculate the recommended length of  time someone should serve in prison based on their offense and criminal history. The 2023 guidelines recommend 40 months which results in a guideline date of December 30, 2026.

In rare cases like these, the calculated guideline time (40 months) is less than the mandatory minimum sentence imposed by the judge (48 months). Utah Code 77-27-9 prohibits the Board from granting release prior to the completion of the full 48-month minimum sentence.

How does the Board evaluate and decide these cases?

The Board utilizes a Structured Decision-Making Framework (SDMF) to guide all release decisions. This evidence-based model evaluates crimenogenic risk factors to assess the likelihood of readiness for reintegration to society. Risk factors include criminal history, institutional behavior, release plans, and case-specific factors. The Board also considers other important factors, such as victim impact, statutory mandates, and community considerations.

How can victims or the public participate or provide input?

While physical attendance inside the secure perimeter of USCF is restricted, victims and members of the public may submit written statements to the Board prior to the hearing date. Details on submitting public or victim input may be found on the Board’s website: bop.utah.gov/victims.

The Utah Board of Pardons and Parole is an independent body established by the Utah Constitution. The Board plays a critical role in the State’s criminal justice administration, making fair and informed decisions on parole-related matters, thereby contributing to public safety and offender rehabilitation. For more information, visit bop.utah.gov.  

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Media Contact