Ryan Fisher Declaration Raises Allegations of Narrative Engineering, Financial Misconduct, and Organizational Deception Inside Operation Underground Railroad

A sworn declaration filed by Ryan Fisher in ongoing litigation involving Timothy Ballard provides a detailed account of alleged narrative construction, financial misconduct, and coordinated efforts to build Ballard’s public image through Operation Underground Railroad (OUR).

The declaration, submitted under penalty of perjury, outlines Fisher’s direct relationship with Ballard dating back to 2011, as well as his involvement in early media, business, and operational planning connected to Ballard’s rise.

Background and Role

Fisher states that he met Ballard in 2011 while both were involved in Book of Mormon–related media and historical narratives. At the time, Fisher was a journalist, filmmaker, and television producer, and later became a business partner with Ballard through “The American Covenant” tour and media projects.

He describes direct collaboration with Ballard on:

• television concepts
• public messaging
• donor-facing narratives
• early development of projects tied to OUR

Allegations of Religious Influence and Strategic Narrative Building

Central to the declaration are claims that Ballard’s rise was not organic, but part of a broader strategy involving religious and institutional backing.

According to Fisher:

• Ballard received guidance from individuals he considered prophetic, including Thom Harrison
• plans were developed to prepare for apocalyptic scenarios involving trafficked children
• OUR resources were allegedly used in part to support these beliefs

Fisher further alleges that:

• senior figures within the LDS Church supported efforts to position Ballard as a national figure
• there was a deliberate strategy to introduce Ballard into evangelical audiences while minimizing his Mormon background

Allegations of Coordinated Public Image and Media Strategy

Fisher states that:

• Ballard’s public persona as a “child rescuer” was intentionally constructed
• media, books, and film projects were designed to reinforce this image
• the goal was to build Ballard into a celebrity and “American hero”

He alleges that:

• donors were solicited under narratives that were not fully disclosed
• public-facing projects were tied to broader public relations objectives

Concerns Over Financial Conduct and Business Dealings

Fisher describes a breakdown in his relationship with Ballard, alleging:

• Ballard demanded money and financial records under threat
• Fisher turned over business assets, contacts, and funds out of fear
• Ballard allegedly used those resources to replicate and take over Fisher’s business model

He further claims:

• Ballard used donor-funded projects for personal financial gain
• funds raised for media projects were not used as represented

Allegations Regarding Media Projects and Fundraising

Fisher states that he created a television concept called “The Abolitionist,” which was later:

• adopted by Ballard without compensation
• used to raise significant donor funding
• ultimately converted into a fundraising-driven production rather than an investigative series

He alleges:

• the project did not fulfill its stated purpose
• the outcome did not meaningfully contribute to anti-trafficking efforts

Criticism of Operational Methods

The declaration also references concerns raised by:

• external anti-trafficking organizations
• internal OUR personnel

According to Fisher:

• OUR tactics were described as reckless, dangerous, and counterproductive
• operations may have created demand rather than disrupted trafficking networks
• concerns about misuse of funds and tactics were raised internally but not addressed

Allegations of Religious Justification and Moral Immunity

Fisher claims that Ballard:

• sought religious validation for his actions
• received assurances that his conduct would not be considered morally wrong in the context of his mission

He further alleges that:

• this belief emboldened Ballard’s behavior
• it contributed to a lack of accountability in decision-making

Allegations of Threats and Witness Intimidation

Fisher states that:

• he was threatened by Ballard in financial disputes
• other former OUR employees reported similar intimidation
• Ballard attempted to maintain silence among potential witnesses

He also suggests that outreach to him later may have been an attempt to:

• influence his willingness to participate in investigations

Cartagena Operation Allegation

One of the most significant claims in the declaration is that the Cartagena operation:

• was a staged or orchestrated event involving actors
• was designed to create a “sizzle reel” or fundraising narrative
• did not reflect an authentic trafficking rescue operation

Fisher alleges that:

• donors were misled about the nature of the operation
• the event was used to advance Ballard’s public image and media ambitions

Public Narrative Versus Internal Reality

A recurring theme in the declaration is the contrast between:

• Ballard’s public image as a rescuer
• internal knowledge of operations, motives, and outcomes

Fisher states that:

• media portrayals and public messaging did not reflect underlying realities
• projects were designed to influence perception rather than document fact

Broader Implications

The declaration raises questions regarding:

• the accuracy of representations made to donors and the public
• the role of religious and institutional influence in shaping operations
• potential financial misconduct and misuse of funds
• the legitimacy of widely publicized operations

Conclusion

Ryan Fisher’s declaration places extensive allegations on the record under oath. Based on personal involvement, business dealings, and direct interactions with Tim Ballard, the statement provides a detailed account of concerns regarding narrative construction, financial conduct, and organizational integrity.

As with all sworn declarations, the claims require independent verification. However, the consistency of themes with other testimony and reporting raises significant questions that warrant further scrutiny.

Resources & Further Reading

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

Declaration of Krista Kacey – American Crime Journal |

The Deposition of Jon Lines – American Crime Journal |

Davis County Criminal Investigation from 2020-2023 – American Crime Journal |

The Whiteboard Meeting – American Crime Journal |