Utah AG Sean Reyes announces he will not run for reelection, says he believes women who have accused Tim Ballard
Dec 8, 2023, 4:35 PM | Updated: 7:21 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Embattled Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes announced Friday he will not run for reelection next year, and also spoke about his relationship with Tim Ballard, saying he “apologized” to the women who were allegedly sexually harassed and assaulted by Ballard when he was working for Operation Underground Railroad, an anti-trafficking group.
Reyes said he is not resigning and will serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in January 2025. He made the announcement in a video released to the Deseret News, and did not make himself available for questions.
Reyes did not address claims he impeded the investigation into OUR. He is the subject of a complaint filed in Salt Lake’s 3rd District Court last month by the same women who’ve accused Ballard. They say he was guilty of possible witness tampering and that his actions impeded an investigation into OUR. He earlier called the allegations “false,” “defamatory,” and “unethical as they are based on pure speculation and have no basis in fact.”
In his statement Friday, Reyes took a more conciliatory tone toward the women and one man who have accused Ballard. He said he thought it was “brave” that they came forward, despite risking “shame and retaliation.”
Reyes said he asked their lawyers if he could meet with them.
“Over the course of multiple days, I sat with these women and one man all with their attorneys present,” he said.
“After hearing their stories in person, I believe them and I am heartbroken for what they have endured and the trauma they will face their entire lives,” he said. “I apologized to each of them that my past friendship with Tim Ballard and strong association with OUR contributed to an environment that made them feel powerless and without a voice to fight back for many years.”
He said he planned to spend his last year in office “working together with these survivors, and any others who come forward, so their voices are heard and they have access to resources and support.”
“Separate from my own work with them, they have now contacted the Utah Attorney General’s Office … to request a criminal investigation into their claims. I am now recused, meaning I will have no involvement,” he said. “But, my office will conduct a statewide investigation of Tim Ballard, Operation Underground Railroad, the Spear Fund or others to determine what criminal conduct occurred, if any, relating to the complaints made.”
Reyes said victim advocates and victim services will be made available to the women and other potential victims who come forward.
“Also, to clarify, I am not joining these survivors’ civil cases in any way,” he said.
