Utah District Court Order: Sexual Violence Protective Order in Borys v. Ballard

Sexual Violence Protective Order (SVPO) in favor of Celeste Borys remains in effect.

The document titled “Order Denying Respondent Timothy Ballard’s Objection to Sexual Violence Protective Order” is a ruling issued by the Third Judicial District Court in Salt Lake County, Utah. The court denied Timothy Ballard’s objection and ordered that the Sexual Violence Protective Order (SVPO) in favor of Celeste Borys remain in effect.

Case Background

According to the order:

  • Petitioner: Celeste Borys
  • Respondent: Timothy Ballard
  • Case Number: 244903447
  • Judge: Coral Sanchez
  • The matter was heard on October 28, 2024, during an evidentiary hearing

Both parties were represented by counsel, and multiple witnesses testified under cross-examination.

Court Findings

The court made several findings based on a preponderance of the evidence, including:

  • Borys and Ballard had a close relationship and interacted frequently over approximately one year (page 3)
  • Their interactions included both professional contact and participation as partners in undercover activities described as the “couples ruse” (page 3)
  • Borys trusted Ballard and felt close to him (page 3)

Findings Regarding the Alleged Incident

The court found that:

  • Borys’ testimony regarding an incident in Lindon, Utah demonstrated that a sexual violent act occurred (page 3)
  • Her testimony was deemed credible and detailed, including reference to physical evidence she submitted for DNA testing (page 3)
  • The court found that Borys did not consent to the sexual act (page 3)

Additional Findings

The court also noted:

  • Borys’ request for a protective order was justified based on concerns about Ballard’s behavior and alleged threats (page 4)
  • Prior to making allegations, Borys had communicated in defense of Ballard, which the court interpreted as consistent with her prior trust and relationship with him (page 4)

Order of the Court

The court ordered that:

  • Ballard’s objection to the Sexual Violence Protective Order is denied
  • The protective order issued by Commissioner Kim Luhn remains in place

Protective Order Details

According to the included SVPO:

  • The order was issued October 3, 2024 (page 5)
  • It remains in effect until October 3, 2027 (page 7)
  • The court affirmed jurisdiction and that the order was sought for the petitioner’s protection

Conclusion

The court’s order affirms the continuation of a Sexual Violence Protective Order after finding, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a non-consensual sexual act occurred and that the petitioner’s testimony was credible. The ruling denies the respondent’s challenge and maintains the protective measures in place.

SVPO (Luhn)_RedactedDownload

Resources & Further Reading

Derailed: Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) – American Crime Journal |

O.U.R. Legal Archive – American Crime Journal |

Davis County Criminal Investigation into Tim Ballard & O.U.R. – American Crime Journal |

Lindon Police Department Report: Tim Ballard – American Crime Journal |

Utah County Sheriff’s Office Report: Tim Ballard – American Crime Journal |

The Deposition of Jon Lines – American Crime Journal |

First Amended Complaint: WW, et al. v. Ballard et al. – American Crime Journal |