Five women have brought forth a lawsuit alleging that Tim Ballard, the former leader of Operation Underground Railroad, sexually assaulted and emotional abused them during missions to rescue victims of sex trafficking.
A First Amended Complaint filed in the Third Judicial District Court in Salt Lake County, Utah, brings claims by multiple plaintiffs (identified as WW, MK, DM, HDT, and DS) against Tim Ballard, Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), and numerous affiliated entities and individuals.
Parties and Structure
The complaint names:
- Tim Ballard
- Operation Underground Railroad (OUR)
- The Spear Fund (Liberty and Light)
- The Nazarene Fund
- Rockwell Group, Slave Stealers LLC, Children Need Families Foundation, Deacon Inc.
- Multiple board members, employees, and associates
- Janet Russon (identified as a psychic)
The filing alleges that these entities operated collectively, with Ballard acting as their central figure and “alter ego.”
Overview of Allegations
The complaint presents allegations involving:
- Sexual assault and battery
- Fraud and misrepresentation
- Emotional distress
- Organizational negligence and failure of oversight
- Use of corporate entities to shield liability
These claims are presented as part of a broader pattern tied to Ballard and affiliated organizations.
Operational Allegations
The complaint alleges that:
- OUR conducted international “operations” (OPS) purportedly to rescue trafficking victims
- These operations were publicly portrayed as high-risk rescue missions
- In practice, many operations allegedly involved travel to strip clubs, massage parlors, and luxury accommodations
It further alleges that:
- Wealthy donors and civilians participated in these trips as “experience” operations
- These activities were used as a fundraising mechanism
- Public representations did not accurately reflect operational reality
Financial Allegations
The filing states that:
- OUR experienced significant revenue growth, reaching tens of millions annually
- Ballard allegedly used affiliated for-profit entities to generate additional personal income
- Donations were, in part, routed through multiple corporate structures
These allegations are presented as evidence of financial misrepresentation and misuse of funds.
“Couples Ruse” Allegations
A central component of the complaint involves a tactic referred to as the “couples ruse.”
According to the complaint:
- The tactic involved male and female operatives posing as romantic partners during operations
- Women were recruited without formal training and asked to participate
The complaint alleges that:
- The practice evolved into coercive and sexualized conduct
- Women were asked to engage in simulated or actual intimate behavior as part of “training”
- Activities included shared beds, physical contact, and sexually suggestive scenarios
The filing characterizes the “couples ruse” as an institutional practice known to leadership.
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Coercion
The complaint alleges that:
- Tim Ballard engaged in sexualized conduct with female operatives under the pretense of operational necessity
- Women were pressured through appeals to mission goals, safety concerns, and spiritual authority
- Participants were told such conduct was necessary to save trafficking victims
The complaint further alleges:
- Use of manipulation involving religious justification
- Instructions to maintain secrecy, including use of encrypted messaging and deletion of communications
- Use of non-disclosure agreements and threats of legal action
Spiritual and Psychological Influence
The complaint states that:
- Operational decisions were influenced by a psychic (Janet Russon)
- Ballard allegedly invoked religious authority, including references to Mormon leadership and spiritual experiences, to justify actions
The filing alleges these elements were used to gain compliance from participants.
Government and Institutional Connections
The complaint alleges that:
- Ballard had close ties with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes
- Reyes publicly supported and participated in operations
- Complaints regarding Ballard were allegedly not pursued due to conflicts of interest
It also references Ballard’s connections with political figures, media personalities, and religious institutions as contributing to his public credibility.
Internal Awareness and Investigation
According to the complaint:
- Complaints of misconduct were made by multiple women
- A law firm conducted an internal investigation that allegedly substantiated claims
- Ballard was ultimately removed from OUR
The complaint further alleges:
- A coordinated plan allowed Ballard to resign while preserving public image
- Non-disclosure agreements were used in connection with this process
Plaintiff Experiences (Example)
The complaint includes detailed individual statements, including:
- Recruitment through trust in anti-trafficking work
- Participation in “training” involving strip clubs, massage parlors, and simulated scenarios
- Allegations of unwanted physical contact during preparation and operations
- Claims of emotional distress, fear, and confusion regarding legitimacy of activities
These accounts are included as supporting statements within the filing.
Legal Claims
The complaint asserts multiple causes of action, including:
- Sexual assault and battery
- Conspiracy
- Fraud
- Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress
- Negligent supervision and retention
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- False imprisonment
- Premises liability
- Human trafficking (under Utah law)
- Piercing the corporate veil
Plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, and other relief.
Conclusion
The First Amended Complaint presents extensive allegations that Tim Ballard and associated organizations engaged in misconduct involving operational practices, personal conduct, and financial structure. It asserts that organizational leadership enabled or failed to prevent these actions.
