State audit issued for Utah Attorney General’s Office

SALT LAKE CITY — A state audit has been issued for the Utah Attorney General’s office. More than two dozen lawmakers, the majority of whom are Republican, have formally requested a legislative audit to investigate parts of the Utah Attorney General’s Office and Attorney General Sean Reyes’ relationship with Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard. 

Specifically, the 26 lawmakers want to know whether Reyes and Ballard’s relationship involved any state resources, or whether that relationship impeded Reyes’ “impartiality or prosecutorial discretion.” They also want to know whether that relationship involved any “engagement” by Reyes with any outside prosecutors.

The committee that approves this request meets at 3:30.

I just ran into one very influential member of the audit subcommittee, and asked him if they were going to approve this audit.

“Oh yeah,” he said without hesitation.https://t.co/WLbIawcNhs

— Lindsay Aerts (@LindsayOnAir) November 14, 2023

 

KSL TV obtained a copy of the letter through a public records request which asks that the Legislative Audit Committee approve the request. 

20231113 Audit Request Re O… by Eliza

The group — made up of 20 Republicans and six Democrats — also call for auditors to look into the AG office’s governance, culture, and travel policies and practices. The request was approved Tuesday.

“We have been concerned about the governance and oversight of the AG’s Office, well before any allegations came to light raising suspicion into the relationship of the AG with Tim Ballard, OUR, and the production of the Sound of Freedom movie,” the letter reads.

”Given the important role that the AG plays in upholding the constitutions of the United States and the State of Utah, enforcing the law, and protecting the interests of the State of Utah and its people, environment, and resources we believe that a Legislative Audit is warranted,” the group wrote …

Please read Lindsay Aerts’ and Eliza Pace’s complete story at KSLTV.com.

Keep reading:

• Sean Reyes ‘deeply saddened’ by Tim Ballard allegations, won’t endorse in Senate race
• AG Sean Reyes: Tim Ballard lawsuit should be taken seriously, declines to answer specifics
• The “couples ruse” revisited: New accusations against Tim Ballard