New York Times Article on Tim Ballard and Operation Underground Railroad
Overview
Exhibit K is a 22-page reproduction of a New York Times article published September 9, 2024, titled:
“‘Sound of Freedom’ Shows an Anti-Trafficking Hero. Women Tell a Different Story.”
The article reports on Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), and allegations made against him by multiple women.
Ballard’s Public Profile
FACT (Pages 2–3)
- Tim Ballard is described as:
- a former Homeland Security agent
- founder of Operation Underground Railroad
- His work:
- inspired the film Sound of Freedom
- attracted political and media support, including from:
- Donald Trump
- Glenn Beck
- By 2020, OUR reportedly raised nearly $50 million annually
Allegations by Women
FACT (Pages 2, 4–6)
- The article reports that:
- multiple women have accused Ballard in lawsuits and interviews of:
- sexual harassment
- coercion
- sexual assault
- multiple women have accused Ballard in lawsuits and interviews of:
- Women allege:
- they were recruited to act as romantic partners in undercover operations
- the tactic was referred to as the “couple’s ruse”
Description of the “Couples Ruse”
FACT (Page 5)
- According to the article:
- women were asked to pose as Ballard’s romantic partner
- the tactic was presented as:
- a way to avoid sex with traffickers
- a method to build trust
FACT (Pages 5–6)
- Several women allege:
- the tactic was used to facilitate sexual contact with them
- some described being overpowered or assaulted
Specific Allegations and Accounts
FACT (Pages 6, 11, 14–17)
The article includes accounts from named individuals:
- Amy Morgan Davis
- alleges escalating sexual advances tied to “connection” testing
- Mary Hall
- alleges unwanted physical contact during early interactions
- Sashaleigha Hightower
- alleges inappropriate touching following discussions of her past trauma
- Celeste Borys
- alleges:
- being placed in sexual situations with minors present
- unwanted sexual contact by Ballard
- repeated encounters framed as operational necessity
- alleges:
- Kira Lynch
- alleges:
- escalation from recruitment to physical assault
- coercion tied to spiritual and operational framing
- alleges:
- Krista Kacey
- alleges:
- participation in operations involving sexual activity with sex workers
- lack of clear investigative purpose
- alleges:
Operational Criticism
FACT (Pages 8–9)
- Anti-trafficking experts cited in the article state:
- OUR’s tactics are controversial
- emphasis on “snatch and rescue” narratives may oversimplify trafficking
- Some critics argue:
- operations may have created demand by offering money for minors
Accounts of Operations
FACT (Pages 7, 12–13)
- The article describes:
- undercover operations involving:
- cash payments to intermediaries
- efforts to identify traffickers and victims
- undercover operations involving:
- Some operations reportedly led to:
- arrests
- rescues of minors
Contradictory Accounts and Defense
FACT (Pages 6, 11, 18)
- Ballard denies misconduct, stating:
- allegations are false
- communications and actions were part of maintaining cover
- Supporters and associates state:
- they observed professional conduct
- they dispute the allegations
Investigations and Legal Status
FACT (Page 6)
- The article states:
- criminal investigations into Ballard were reported as pending at the time
- Multiple civil lawsuits:
- including sexual assault claims
- remain ongoing
Internal Concerns and Organizational Response
FACT (Pages 4, 21)
- Ballard resigned from OUR in 2023
- The LDS Church publicly criticized his conduct as “morally unacceptable”
- Internal complaints within OUR described concerns about behavior during operations
Conclusion
Exhibit K is a New York Times investigative article presenting allegations from multiple women against Tim Ballard, alongside his denials and statements from supporters. The article also examines operational practices at Operation Underground Railroad and broader criticism from experts.
