Candidate for Blaine County Sheriff
By Morgan Ballis
My Republican opponent in the Blaine County Sheriff election has crossed the line of decency to spread false and serious accusations about me. Sadly, in our current political environment, some candidates resort to these tactics. While we are pursuing legal action for defamation, I want to take this opportunity to clarify the facts so we can return our campaign to the level of civil discourse that Blaine County deserves.
In recent weeks, sensitive juvenile records along with false accusations of crimes were sent anonymously to the Hailey Police Department (HPD), the City of Hailey Mayor and Council Members, the Blaine County School District Superintendent and Board Members, the Idaho Police Standards and Training Council (POST), and the Blaine County Commissioners in an attempt to harm my reputation and employment. Mr. Hughston was captured on security footage personally delivering one such package to the Blaine County School District Office and has since admitted to sending these records to POST and HPD.
Those anonymous attacks, which included allegations of rape, lacked credibility and were rejected out of hand by recipients who could readily see that the records he provided contradicted his false claims and did not contain anything meriting further review.
When that tactic failed, Hughston escalated his attacks by sending out a mailer and creating a dedicated website with even more baseless accusations.
I have always been open about my mistakes and wrongdoings as an adolescent. In 2002 when I was 16 years old, I was cited for minor consumption of alcohol and juvenile petitioned for felony theft. The theft involved damaging a vehicle and stealing a wallet. I deserved the consequences of my actions and was blessed to be placed in a diversion program while being mentored toward my goal of becoming a Marine. To be clear – I have never been arrested, charged, or convicted for anything else as a juvenile. As an adult, I was charged in 2011 with suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol; this charge was later dismissed. I have never been arrested or convicted of any crime as an adult.
I speak publicly about my juvenile experiences in school talks, campaign gatherings, and with youth on diversion. While these were difficult and painful experiences, the grace and guidance I received during that period of my life and the lessons I learned from those experiences were a source of huge personal growth and ultimately the driving force behind my commitment to service – first in our military, then in my community, and now with the Hailey Police Department and in our schools.
However, Mr. Hughston’s recent attacks go far beyond distorting my past. He has falsely accused me of a drug-related offense, sexual assault, abusing my son, and has insinuated even more. If these outrageous claims were true, I would have lost custody of my son rather than being granted full and exclusive custody. I would have been dishonorably discharged from the military, not proudly served for eleven years with an honorable discharge. And I certainly would not be serving as a Hailey police officer or the School Resource Officer at Wood River High School.
Falsely accusing me of abusing my son is not only reckless – it is cruel. It breaks my heart to see my son caught in the crossfire of political attacks when he should be celebrating his four touchdowns from last week’s football game. No 15-year-old should have to endure such indignities. This is indecent and inexcusable behavior.
Despite these distractions, I remain focused on what truly matters: taking care of my family and strengthening Blaine County through our shared values of integrity, truth, and positive leadership. I am committed to running a campaign that reflects these principles and to working to light up our community.
Morgan Ballis
Blaine County Sheriff Candidate