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Salt Lake County Declines to Charge Tim Ballard in Sexual Assault Case

Prosecutors said critical corroboration was unavailable to meet the criminal burden of proof.

FILE - District Attorney Sim Gill speaks during a news conference, July 9, 2020, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

Overview

  • District Attorney Sim Gill said survivors gave compelling statements but evidence did not satisfy the beyond‑a‑reasonable‑doubt standard, and the office is willing to revisit the case if new proof emerges.
  • Attorneys for the accusers said police reports were filed with eight other law enforcement agencies, though the status of those inquiries remains unclear.
  • Civil litigation continues, including a pending case by five women, an appeal after another suit was dismissed, and a defamation lawsuit filed by Ballard, who denies wrongdoing.
  • Operation Underground Railroad confirmed Ballard’s separation as permanent, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints previously rebuked him and withdrew his membership.
  • The probe originated under then–Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, whose ties to Ballard initially complicated cooperation from accusers before participation resumed after leadership changed.