Allegations of Recruitment, Coercion, and Operational Conduct
The document titled “Statement of Sashleigha Hightower” 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 undercover operations as experienced by the declarant.
Initial Contact and Recruitment
According to the statement:
- The declarant contacted Tim Ballard in April 2021 after suspecting a man she was dating may be involved in trafficking
- Ballard invited her to meet at OUR offices and requested information about the individual
- She was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement and told not to discuss operations with anyone
The declarant states she believed OUR worked closely with law enforcement and could investigate her concerns.
Introduction to the “Couples Ruse”
The statement describes that:
- Ballard introduced a tactic referred to as the “couples ruse”
- Female operatives would pose as romantic partners to male operatives
- The tactic involved attending environments such as strip clubs and massage parlors
- Participants were expected to act as a couple to gain trust and access
The declarant states she was told female operatives were essential to these operations.
Allegations of Grooming and Psychological Influence
The declaration states that:
- Ballard used religious language, including references to divine selection and purpose
- He told the declarant she was “hand selected” and uniquely suited for the role
- Personal information, including past trauma, was discussed and incorporated into recruitment
The declarant states she felt trust in Ballard and believed she was contributing to a legitimate mission.
Allegations of Sexualized Training and Conduct
The statement includes allegations that:
- Training involved physical contact and simulation of romantic or sexual behavior
- Ballard allegedly initiated touching, including placing his hand on the declarant’s leg and inner thigh (page 7)
- The declarant states she was instructed to act as a “kinky couple” during operations
She describes discomfort and confusion regarding expectations and boundaries.
Operational Preparation and Travel
According to the statement:
- The declarant participated in travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for an operation
- She was instructed to remain “in character” at all times outside designated safe locations
- She was given an alias and instructed to communicate in ways consistent with the undercover role
The statement includes references to planning activities such as obtaining disguises and preparing for social environments.
Account of Undercover Activities
The declaration describes:
- Visits to massage parlors where operatives interacted with women identified as escorts
- Instructions to engage in behavior to convince individuals they were a couple
- Situations involving undressing and physical proximity during undercover scenarios (pages 9–11)
The declarant states she experienced fear and confusion during these activities.
Allegations of Lack of Protection and Oversight
The statement alleges that:
- Ballard did not intervene in certain situations when the declarant felt unsafe (page 11)
- Operational conditions placed her in perceived danger
- There was limited structure or supervision during activities
She describes an instance where she feared being assaulted and had to remove herself from the situation.
Organizational Practices and Communication
According to the statement:
- Participants were instructed to use encrypted messaging and delete communications regularly
- They were told not to discuss operations with others
- The declarant describes limited transparency and compartmentalization within the organization
She states that questioning or raising concerns was discouraged.
Post-Operation Effects
The declaration describes:
- Emotional distress and trauma following participation
- Nightmares and difficulty processing experiences
- Concerns raised to others within the organization about Ballard’s conduct
The declarant states she eventually disengaged from involvement.
Additional Allegations
The statement includes allegations that:
- Ballard engaged in ongoing communication and attempted to maintain contact after operations
- Other individuals reported similar concerns about his behavior
- The declarant felt discouraged from reporting or speaking out
She states she was later concerned that disclosures would be denied or discredited.
Conclusion
The Statement of Sashleigha Hightower provides a detailed first-person account alleging recruitment through emotional and religious influence, participation in sexualized undercover tactics, and concerns regarding safety, legitimacy, and oversight within operations connected to Tim Ballard.
All statements reflect the declarant’s account and have not been adjudicated in court.
