US EditionDistrict attorney in Utah declines to charge founder of anti-child-trafficking organization
Salt Lake County DA Sim Gill cites insufficient admissible evidence to decline charges against Tim Ballard in sexual assault lawsuits, emphasizing the need for proof beyond reasonable doubt.
- On Friday, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said there is `insufficient admissible evidence`, and county prosecutor Clint Heiner conveyed the decision to James Pettis of the Utah Attorney General's office.
- The board of Operation Underground Railroad demanded Tim Ballard leave in June 2023 after misconduct allegations, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a rare rebuke in September 2023.
- Prosecutors explained that the legal standard requires evidence to remove every reasonable doubt for a jury, and county prosecutor Clint Heiner said the case could be revisited if new information supports prosecution.
- Ballard has denied the allegations and filed a defamation suit, while attorneys for the women said Friday they appreciate Gill acknowledging their courage despite the declination; Ballard’s documentary Hidden War opened the same day, following his 2023 film Sound of Freedom grossing $250 million worldwide.
- Civil litigation continues as two lawsuits, including one by Celeste Borys, are still active or under appeal, following an investigation announced two years ago by then-Attorney General Sean Reyes.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Associated Press News
District attorney in Utah declines to charge founder of anti-child-trafficking organization
A district attorney based in Salt Lake City is declining to file charges against the founder of an anti-child-trafficking organization made famous by a 2023 movie.
Salt Lake D.A. declines to charge Tim Ballard after sexual assault report
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill declined to file criminal charges against Tim Ballard, the anti-child-trafficking celebrity, saying his office believed it lacked the evidence needed to charge Ballard of engaging in sexual assault or misconduct.
CONDADO SALT LAKE, UTAH- The allegations of sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct faced by Tim Ballard were dismissed, according to Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. Gill acknowledged the courage of those who made the complaints for what I call “deeply personal and traumatic experiences.” “We recognize the impact of these facts and the courage it took to talk to investigators and participate in the process,” Gill said. “This does not…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
