Second lawsuit against Tim Ballard, OUR & others

Second Civil Complaint Against Tim Ballard and Associated Entities

A civil complaint filed in the Third Judicial District Court in Salt Lake County, Utah, by two plaintiffs identified as AA and FT alleges misconduct, fraud, and personal harm connected to Tim Ballard, Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), and multiple affiliated individuals and organizations.

Parties Named

The lawsuit names:

  • Tim Ballard
  • Operation Underground Railroad (OUR)
  • The Spear Fund
  • Rockwell Group, Liberty and Light, Slave Stealers LLC, Children Need Families Foundation, Deacon Inc.
  • Janet Russon (identified as a psychic)
  • Multiple board members and associates

The complaint alleges these entities operated collectively, with Ballard acting as their central figure and alter ego.

Overview of Allegations

The complaint outlines claims involving:

  • Sexual assault and coercion
  • Fraud and misrepresentation
  • Emotional distress and psychological harm
  • Organizational misconduct and negligence

All claims are presented as part of a broader pattern of conduct tied to Ballard and affiliated organizations.

Operational and Financial Allegations

The filing alleges that:

  • OUR raised significant donor funds through anti-trafficking operations
  • Some operations were portrayed publicly as rescue missions but were described in the complaint as involving travel, entertainment venues, and fundraising activities
  • Ballard allegedly created or used multiple corporate entities to route funds and generate personal income

The complaint cites substantial organizational revenue growth and alleges discrepancies between reported salary and total earnings.

“Couples Ruse” Allegations

A central allegation involves a tactic referred to as the “couples ruse.”

According to the complaint:

  • The practice involved male and female operatives posing as romantic partners during operations
  • It was allegedly institutionalized within the organization and known to leadership

The complaint asserts that the practice:

  • Included “training” involving simulated or actual sexualized conduct
  • Expanded into coercive behavior toward female participants
  • Was justified to participants as necessary for undercover work

Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Coercion

The complaint alleges that:

  • Ballard engaged in sexualized conduct with female operatives under the pretense of operational necessity
  • Women were pressured to participate through appeals to mission goals, spiritual authority, and fear-based consequences
  • Participants were instructed to maintain secrecy and sign non-disclosure agreements

Additional allegations include:

  • Use of manipulation involving religious claims and authority figures
  • Claims that women were told participation was necessary to save children

Use of Spiritual and Psychic Influence

The complaint states that:

  • Operational decisions were influenced by input from Janet Russon, described as a psychic
  • Ballard allegedly invoked religious authority and spiritual narratives to justify conduct and gain compliance

Plaintiff AA’s Alleged Experience

According to the complaint and attached statement:

  • Plaintiff AA was recruited in 2022 to participate in operations
  • She was instructed to keep activities confidential and was introduced to the “couples ruse” during training
  • Training included scenarios in hotel rooms, strip clubs, and encounters with escorts

The filing alleges that:

  • She was subjected to unwanted sexualized conduct during training exercises
  • She participated in multiple trips framed as “practice operations” in locations including California, Ecuador, Mexico, and London
  • Some encounters involved escorts or scenarios designed to simulate trafficking environments

The complaint states that these activities caused emotional distress and confusion about the legitimacy of operations.

Impact on Personal Life

The complaint alleges that:

  • Plaintiff AA’s involvement contributed to marital strain with Plaintiff FT
  • FT was allegedly threatened by an associate of Ballard
  • FT filed a police report following an alleged threatening communication

Internal Response and Termination

The complaint alleges that:

  • Complaints from female participants led to an internal investigation by a law firm
  • The investigation allegedly substantiated claims of misconduct
  • Ballard was removed from OUR

It further claims:

  • A coordinated plan allowed Ballard to resign publicly while maintaining his public image
  • Non-disclosure agreements were used as part of this process

Post-OUR Activities

The complaint states that:

  • Ballard subsequently formed or continued operations through The Spear Fund
  • He continued fundraising efforts using his public profile

Legal Claims

The complaint includes causes of action for:

  • Sexual assault and battery
  • Conspiracy
  • Fraud
  • Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress
  • Negligence and negligent supervision
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Premises liability
  • Alienation of affection
  • Piercing the corporate veil

The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages, punitive damages, and other relief.

Conclusion

The complaint presents detailed allegations that Tim Ballard and affiliated entities engaged in misconduct involving operational practices, personal conduct, and financial structure. The claims include coercion, misrepresentation, and organizational complicity.

Second Ballard Civil ComplaintDownload

Resources & Further Reading

Derailed: Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) – American Crime Journal |

O.U.R. Legal Archive – American Crime Journal |

Davis County Criminal Investigation into Tim Ballard & O.U.R. – American Crime Journal |

Lindon Police Department Report: Tim Ballard – American Crime Journal |

Utah County Sheriff’s Office Report: Tim Ballard – American Crime Journal |

The Deposition of Jon Lines – American Crime Journal |

First Amended Complaint: WW, et al. v. Ballard et al. – American Crime Journal |