SALT LAKE CITY — One of the most powerful leaders within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is accused of violating Church policy by sharing members' tithing records to target wealthy donors.
Elder M. Russell Ballard is acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The accusation against him is part of a lawsuit filed by five women against Operation Underground Railroad and its former CEO Tim Ballard.
Tim Ballard is not related to President Ballard.
President Ballard was not named as a defendant in the suit.
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According to the lawsuit, President Ballard and "other authorities" leaked the tithing records to OUR to help the nonprofit target wealthy donors, "according to OUR's own internal documents."
The documents in question show OUR referencing and disputing comments allegedly made by Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings, a prosecutor who was investigating the nonprofit for communications fraud. At least a portion of the investigation concluded without the filing of criminal charges.
Rawlings declined to comment.
The Church, Tim Ballard, and OUR have all said the accusation is not true.
“I’ve never used Elder Ballard’s name. Ever!" shouted Tim Ballard at an event in September. "I’ve never treaded on his name to ask for anything. I’ve never had any business dealings with him. He’s like a grandfather to me."
The lawsuit also accused the Church of continuing to promote OUR, even after publicly condemning Tim Ballard earlier this year for "morally unacceptable" behavior.
"For example, on October 15, 2023, OUR's President, (Matthew) Osborne, gave a 'Fireside' on 'grooming tactics,' 'extortion schemes,' and other matters, in the New Braunfels 2nd Ward in Texas," the complaint reads.
Laurie Roe, who identified herself as the organizer of the event in Texas, disputed the lawsuit's characterization in an email to FOX 13 News.
"The evening was organized for parents in the community to help prevent children from becoming victims of internet predators; it had nothing to do with Tim Ballard or OUR," she wrote. "Our little town has been exposed to trafficking and child exploitation (we live in the trafficking corridor) and parents want to protect their children. At my request, Matt (Osborne) came to speak, not as OUR nor to solicit, as your article insinuates, but to speak as someone with authority on the subject and at the request of a friend... Child exploitation is such a difficult topic and an issue more and more parents are facing, especially in this area. There are so few resources locally on protecting our children and I was trying to offer them guidance from someone who knows a great deal about the subject. It is disappointing to see good intentions so misrepresented."