Guy Ballard, founder of the ‘I AM’ Activity, has left behind a legacy as enigmatic as the mystical teachings he championed. Read below the official documents and court cases that shaped his controversial journey.
Ballard v. United States, 138 F.2d 540 (9th Cir. 1944)
In Ballard v. United States, 138 F.2d 540 (9th Cir. 1944), Edna W. Ballard and Donald Ballard, associated with the “I AM” movement, were convicted of mail fraud under 18 U.S.C.A. § 338. The indictment alleged that they devised a scheme to defraud individuals by soliciting funds through false representations related to their religious organization. The appellants contended that the trial court erred by excluding evidence regarding the truth of their religious claims, arguing that this exclusion infringed upon their First Amendment rights.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the convictions, holding that the trial court’s refusal to allow inquiry into the sincerity of the appellants’ beliefs was erroneous. The court emphasized that while religious beliefs are protected, their sincerity can be subject to scrutiny when fraud is alleged. This case underscores the legal principle that the First Amendment does not shield fraudulent schemes, even when cloaked in religious doctrine. The court’s decision highlights the delicate balance between protecting religious freedom and preventing fraudulent exploitation under the guise of religious movements.
Further Reading
Ballard v. United States, 138 F.2d 540 (9th Cir. 1944) here – Website
Over 700 pages about an FBI investigation here – Free resource
An article outlining the FBI case – Website
Gerald Bryan, Pyschic Dictatorship in America – Free resource
Author: mountshastamyths
Lurking around here with more questions than answers