Allegations of Operational Misconduct and Coercion
The document titled “Statement of AA” is a sworn declaration attributed to Celeste Borys, detailing her experiences working with Tim Ballard and participating in operations connected to Operation Underground Railroad (OUR). The statement outlines recruitment, training, and operational conduct as experienced by the declarant.
Recruitment and Introduction to Operations
According to the statement:
- The declarant was approached by Tim Ballard in October 2022 while working in an office setting
- Ballard described a need for female operatives to assist in undercover operations
- She was told she could help without leaving her job and that female participation was essential
Ballard allegedly introduced the concept of a “couples” operational role, in which a female operative would pose as a romantic partner to gain access to traffickers.
“Couples Ruse” Explanation
The statement describes Ballard’s explanation of the tactic:
- Female operatives would pose as girlfriends during operations
- The role involved attending social settings such as parties, clubs, and massage parlors
- Physical closeness and “real chemistry” were described as necessary to maintain cover
The declarant states she initially believed this was part of legitimate anti-trafficking work.
Initial Concerns and Interactions
The declarant recounts:
- Early discomfort during meetings and travel with Ballard
- Confusion about the nature and legitimacy of operations
- Situations in which she felt uncertain about expectations and boundaries
She describes interactions in which Ballard discussed tactics involving strip clubs, escorts, and massage parlors as part of operational strategy.
Allegations of Sexualized Conduct
The statement includes allegations that:
- The declarant was subjected to physical contact during training and preparation
- Activities described as part of the “couples ruse” included kissing, sharing beds, and simulated intimacy
- She was told such conduct was necessary for operational success
The declarant describes instances where Ballard allegedly initiated physical contact under the pretext of demonstrating techniques.
Training and “Practice Operations”
The statement outlines multiple trips described as training or practice operations, including:
Guayaquil, Ecuador
- Participation in a scenario involving escorts
- Instruction to engage in behavior consistent with undercover roles
- Confusion about objectives and lack of clear outcomes
Mexico City
- Travel with Ballard and other operatives
- Interaction with escorts and staged scenarios
- Description of improvised operations without clear planning
London
- Activities involving escort interactions
- Efforts to obtain information under the guise of relationships
- Continued emphasis on the “couples” dynamic
The declarant states that many of these activities did not result in identifiable rescues or actionable outcomes.
Operational Practices Described
According to the statement:
- Operations often involved social environments such as clubs, spas, and private residences
- Escorts were used in scenarios intended to simulate trafficking environments
- The declarant describes a lack of structured law enforcement coordination
She states that instructions were often unclear and that she was told to improvise.
Allegations of Psychological Pressure
The declarant alleges that:
- Participation was framed as necessary to save children
- Religious language and references were used to encourage compliance
- She was told her role was uniquely important
The statement also describes feelings of guilt and obligation tied to these representations.
Internal Concerns and Organizational Environment
The declarant states that:
- She was discouraged from discussing operations with others
- Information was compartmentalized
- She was asked to maintain secrecy about activities
She describes difficulty reconciling what she observed with the public portrayal of the organization.
Allegations of Manipulation and Control
The statement includes allegations that:
- Ballard influenced how she communicated with investigators
- He allegedly edited or shaped narratives regarding complaints
- She felt isolated and controlled during the course of her involvement
The declarant also describes being told what to say in interviews and feeling pressure to align with a particular narrative.
Conclusion of the Statement
The declaration concludes with allegations that:
- The declarant experienced manipulation, coercion, and emotional distress
- She did not believe she was given a fair opportunity to leave the organization
- She describes long-term personal and professional impacts resulting from her involvement
The statement characterizes her experience as involving misconduct and misrepresentation within operations connected to Tim Ballard.
Conclusion
The “Statement of AA” provides a detailed first-person account alleging misconduct, coercive practices, and misrepresentation of anti-trafficking operations. It outlines recruitment, training, and operational activities as experienced by the declarant.
All statements reflect the declarant’s account and have not been adjudicated in court.
