“Landmark Lawsuit: Five Women Accuse Tim Ballard of Sexual Abuse During Posing Sessions”

Five Women Sue Tim Ballard Alleging Sexual Abuse While Posing as His Wife

By | Published October 10, 2023 | Updated October 10, 2023

Five women have filed a lawsuit against Tim Ballard, the founder of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), a prominent anti-child-trafficking group. The women claim that Ballard sexually manipulated, abused, and harassed them during overseas trips that were ostensibly designed to catch child sex traffickers. Ballard’s life story and work with O.U.R. served as the inspiration for the popular 2023 movie “Sound of Freedom,” which gained a significant following among conservative moviegoers. However, he recently resigned from the organization amidst allegations of sexual abuse and harassment, which he has vehemently denied.

The Allegations and Claims

According to the lawsuit filed in Utah state court, the complaints against Ballard revolve around a deceptive tactic known as a “couple’s ruse.” It is alleged that Ballard engaged in this tactic with women from O.U.R. who posed as his wife, in order to deceive child sex traffickers into thinking he was a legitimate client. The plaintiffs allege that the ruse began with Ballard and the women taking cross-country trips to engage in activities such as tantric yoga, couple’s massages with escorts, and lap dances performed on Ballard himself, all under the guise of “practicing” their “sexual chemistry.”

While promotional materials for O.U.R. portrayed the group’s overseas missions as paramilitary operations to rescue children and apprehend traffickers, the lawsuit contends that the reality was quite different. The trips, it is alleged, predominantly involved visits to strip clubs and massage parlors across the globe, as well as luxuriously staying in five-star hotels, on boats, and in vacation rentals. The women claim that they were eventually subjected to coerced sexual contact, including various acts of a sexual nature while partially undressed.

The lawsuit further states that Ballard insisted that he and his female partner maintain the appearance of a romantic relationship at all times, even in private, in the event that suspicious traffickers might be surveilling them. The women, who have filed the lawsuit using pseudonyms, allege that Ballard used his membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his connections to church leaders to persuade them that his actions were done in the best interest of children in need.

The Church’s Response and Ballard’s Defense

Ballard claimed that a high-ranking church leader, M. Russell Ballard (no relation), had given him special permission to engage in the couple’s ruse, on the condition that there be no sexual intercourse or kissing involved. However, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement in September condemning Tim Ballard for the unauthorized use of the church leader’s name for personal advantage, as well as engaging in morally unacceptable activities.

The lawsuit goes on to allege that Ballard cited a passage in the Book of Mormon to justify performing “unconventional” tasks. According to the plaintiffs, Ballard claimed to receive ketamine treatments and communicate with the dead prophet Nephi, during which he issued prophecies about his future as a United States senator, president of the United States, and ultimately even as the Mormon prophet who would bring about the second coming of Christ.

Ballard, who had been considering a run for the U.S. Senate, has vehemently denied the allegations and has openly accused his political opponents of orchestrating the recent sexual abuse claims against him.

The Implications

These allegations against Tim Ballard, an influential figure in the anti-child-trafficking movement, are deeply troubling. The lawsuit raises a host of ethical questions about the abuse of power and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the pursuit of noble causes. It highlights the importance of scrutinizing the actions and behavior of those who present themselves as leaders and advocates for justice.

Institutional Repercussions and Protection of Victims

This lawsuit also raises concerns about accountability within organizations such as O.U.R. It is essential that institutions committed to combatting the exploitation and trafficking of children take appropriate steps to prevent and address any misconduct or abuse occurring within their ranks. This includes establishing robust complaint mechanisms, conducting thorough investigations, and providing support to victims.

The experiences of the five women who have come forward in this lawsuit underscore the need for better safeguards and guidelines when it comes to conducting undercover operations in the fight against child sex trafficking. Transparency and accountability must be paramount in any organization working in this sensitive and vital field.

A Call for Reflection and Action

The allegations against Tim Ballard serve as an urgent reminder to reevaluate the ethical practices and behaviors within the anti-child-trafficking movement as a whole. While the pursuit of justice is noble, it should never come at the expense of the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

Conclusion

As this lawsuit unfolds, it is imperative that the allegations against Tim Ballard be thoroughly investigated and addressed. The voices of the women who have come forward must be heard, and justice must prevail. There is an opportunity here for the anti-child-trafficking movement to strengthen its commitment to integrity and compassion, ensuring that those who engage in these crucial efforts are held to the highest ethical standards. Only then can we truly protect and serve the individuals who need our help the most.