Salt Lake City prosecutors have declined to file charges against Tim Ballard, founder of the anti-child-trafficking organisation Operation Underground Railroad, due to insufficient admissible evidence. District Attorney Sim Gill stated on Friday that the decision does not diminish the accounts of survivors but reflects the legal requirement for evidence strong enough to remove reasonable doubt.
Ballard, portrayed by Jim Caviezel in the 2023 film Sound of Freedom, faced sexual assault allegations from multiple women in two civil lawsuits. One lawsuit has been dismissed with an appeal pending, while the other remains active. The allegations include claims that Ballard exploited his position and the women's desire to combat child trafficking to coerce them into sexual acts, including a 'couples ruse' during overseas missions.
Ballard's attorney, Mark Eisenhut, said the decision not to charge was expected, asserting Ballard's innocence and calling for authorities to consider charges against the accusers. Ballard resigned from Operation Underground Railroad in August 2023 amid the allegations.
The controversy follows a Vice News report detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and a rebuke from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which accused Ballard of exploiting his friendship with a senior apostle for personal advantage. The film Sound of Freedom was a surprise box office hit but drew criticism for its association with QAnon conspiracy theories.
