Allegations of Recruitment, Sexualized Training, and Operational Conduct
The document titled “Statement of Mary Hall” is a sworn declaration describing the declarant’s interactions with Tim Ballard and her involvement in activities associated with Operation Underground Railroad (OUR). The statement outlines recruitment, training, and participation in operational preparation as experienced by the declarant.
Initial Contact and Recruitment
According to the statement:
- The declarant was introduced to OUR through a friend in October 2021
- She expressed interest in helping rescue women and children from trafficking
- She was later contacted by Matthew Cooper, who invited her to training sessions
The declarant attended an initial training at an OUR facility in Draper, Utah.
Training and Introduction to Operations
The statement describes that:
- Initial training included self-defense exercises and awareness tactics (page 2)
- Tim Ballard later spoke with the declarant privately about potential involvement
- The “couples ruse” was introduced as a tactic involving male and female operatives posing as romantic partners
The declarant states she was told she would need to participate in dark and potentially dangerous environments.
Use of Secrecy and Communication Restrictions
According to the declaration:
- The declarant signed a non-disclosure agreement and was instructed not to discuss operations
- She was told to use encrypted messaging applications and limit communication
- She reports not receiving a copy of the NDA
These measures were presented as necessary for operational security.
Allegations of Sexualized Training
The statement includes allegations that:
- The declarant was instructed that undercover roles could involve intimate and sexualized behavior
- Ballard allegedly described scenarios involving sexual acts as part of maintaining cover (pages 7–8)
- The declarant states she was repeatedly asked if she would be willing to engage in such conduct
She describes these expectations as framed within life-or-death scenarios tied to rescuing victims.
Allegations of Physical Contact
The declaration describes that:
- During a private meeting, Ballard allegedly initiated physical contact, including touching and kissing (pages 9–10)
- The declarant describes escalating physical behavior, including intimate contact and pressure to participate
- She states she felt uncomfortable but believed compliance was necessary to remain involved
The statement characterizes these interactions as part of “practice” for undercover work.
Training in Social Environments
According to the statement:
- The declarant participated in training scenarios in strip clubs and bars
- She was instructed to gather information from individuals while posing as part of a couple
- She describes observing other operatives engaging in more explicit conduct during similar scenarios
She states these environments were presented as preparation for future operations.
Psychological Pressure and Framing
The declaration states that:
- Participation was framed as necessary to save victims
- The declarant was told failure to comply could impact rescue efforts
- She felt pressure to continue despite discomfort
She describes the experience as a test of commitment to the mission.
Concerns About Legitimacy and Safety
According to the statement:
- The declarant questioned whether the activities were legitimate or necessary
- She reports a lack of structured training or operational oversight
- She states that safety measures were limited, including restrictions on carrying protective tools
These concerns contributed to her decision to disengage.
Post-Training Interactions
The declaration describes:
- Continued communication with Ballard and other individuals within OUR
- Efforts to encourage further participation in training
- The declarant raising concerns about behavior and being told additional “practice” was needed
She ultimately states she declined further involvement.
Conclusion
The Statement of Mary Hall provides a first-person account alleging recruitment into operations involving sexualized training, physical contact framed as preparation, and concerns about legitimacy, safety, and organizational practices within activities associated with Tim Ballard and OUR.
All statements reflect the declarant’s account and have not been adjudicated in court.
