'God's Children' Deserve the Truth: Holding Tim Ballard & Rescuers Accountable—No Exceptions, No Excuses

Because God’s Children Deserve More Than Slogans, Fantastic Tales, Fraud and Theatrics

For additional articles covering OUR, please go to ACJ Investigates- Derailed: Operation Underground Railroad

Tim Ballard and his supporters are free to question our motives, character, or agenda—but ultimately, none of that matters. The end result remains the same. What they cannot do is refute the facts and evidence. You may shout “God’s children are not for sale” (or any slogan) at the top of your lungs, but to us, that is cheap and meaningless. Anyone who claims to be working with exploited, sexually abused and trafficked children requires rigorous scrutiny, thorough review and an extensive investigation.

Child exploitation and sex trafficking is not a game, for profit business or get rich quick scheme. It is not for entertainment. It’s more than cheap slogans and cheering on your favorite personality. It’s not entertainment. Its not an opportunity to target vulnerable children to further exploit and abuse them. Yet, that is all it has become in the last twenty years. Every single anti-human trafficking organization in the “rescue industry” that we’ve done just preliminary investigation into, all the red flags are there. Claims are either unprovable, fabricated or both, they use bogus statistics and fearmongering for cash.

Let’s be clear about one thing, we hold Tim Ballard who is currently partnered with Aerial Recovery and his former organization Operation Underground Railroad, now operating as OUR Rescue to not just a “higher standard”, but the “highest standards” for a very specific and non-negotiable reason: they claim to rescue, assist, and provide care for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk individuals on the planet—children who are victims of sexual trafficking.

Such a role demands more than passion, words or intent. It is a role that requires one to be of impeccable character and of unimpeachable integrity. The margin for error is so small, that anything short of near-flawless character—statistically puts those kids at risk. Period. There must be zero tolerance for criminal behavior, poor judgment, gross negligence, history of alcohol or drug abuse, dishonesty, high-risk conduct, a history of abuse against women or children, sex crimes, anger issues, attraction to minors, impropriety, or even the appearance of impropriety. Every allegation and accusation must be taken seriously and investigated extensively by an independent party who no financial, personal, ideological, or professional ties to the organization and individuals within that organization.

In order to meet, and operate at the highest possible ethics and standards, transparency is vital, expected and should be welcomed. Any organization that works with vulnerable, at-risk children requires constant oversight and accountability. At a minimum, they warrant ongoing feedback, intense scrutiny, rigorous critique, thorough examination, and extensive independent investigation.

We have repeatedly seen churches, universities, law enforcement agencies, and child-focused organizations conduct internal investigations that ultimately serve to protect the institution—not the victims. Time and again, even in the face of clear, compelling, and often irrefutable evidence of wrongdoing, these entities have cleared themselves of accountability. Their primary objective is to avoid litigation and preserve their reputations—not to act in the best interests of the children harmed.

There are no exceptions and the standards are non-negotiable.

Anyone who opposes, resents, or takes issue with such standards is not prioritizing the best interests of children. At best, their objections stem from confusion, misinformation, or a lack of understanding. At worst, their motives may be ideological, religious, politically partisan—or deeply suspect.

We also hold Tim Ballard who is currently partnered with Aerial Recovery and his former organization Operation Underground Railroad, now operating at OUR Rescue to a “high standard” because they solicit and accept donations from the public—people who genuinely believe their money is funding the rescue and care of for exploited children who have been trafficked.

Anyone who solicits donations from the public—especially under the premise of protecting vulnerable populations such as trafficked children—must be held to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. Donors have a right to know exactly how their contributions are being used, and the public has a right to expect that funds are managed responsibly, legally, and in alignment with the mission being promoted. This includes detailed financial disclosures, independent audits, measurable outcomes, and a commitment to truth in fundraising. Misrepresenting efforts, exaggerating impact, or withholding critical information is not just unethical—it is a betrayal of public trust and, in many cases, a violation of the law. Those entrusted with public donations must operate beyond reproach, because the cause they represent—and the people they claim to serve—demand nothing less. There are no exceptions.

Tim Ballard, Aerial Recovery, Operation Underground Railroad and OUR Rescue does not earn immunity from scrutiny simply because they say the right things, appeal to emotion, shares your religious or political values, or stages compelling public presentations. Charisma, rhetoric, and pageantry are no substitute for truth, accountability, and integrity. No individual—especially one claiming to fight on behalf of exploited children—should be exempt from rigorous examination simply because they resonate with your beliefs or make you feel inspired. They either meets the standards or they do not. Period.