District attorney in Utah declines to charge founder of anti-child-trafficking organization
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Salt Lake City-based district attorney is declining to file criminal charges against the founder of an anti-child trafficking organization made famous by the 2023 movie “Voice of Freedom.” sexual assault allegations by many women in lawsuits.
Salt Lake District Attorney Sim Gill issued a statement Friday saying there was “insufficient admissible evidence” and that his office declined to file charges against Tim Ballard in connection with the allegations.
“This does not mean that we disbelieve or disparage a survivor’s account; rather, it means that the law requires evidence strong enough to eliminate any reasonable doubt for a jury,” Gill said in the statement.
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In two lawsuits, women accused Ballard of exploiting his position as the founder of Operation Underground Railroad and exploiting their desire to help combat child trafficking.
One case was rejected while on appeal, and one case is still ongoing. The Salt Lake City Tribune reported.
Ballard has denied any wrongdoing and allegations in the lawsuits. Ballard’s attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment.
He resigned from Operation Underground Railroad amid allegations of sexual assault.
