Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), is currently under intense scrutiny following sexual harassment allegations detailed in an AP News report. Already facing a lawsuit filed by five women who accuse him of sexual manipulation, abuse, and harassment during overseas operations aimed at combating child sex trafficking, Ballard’s troubles appear to be escalating. The recent revelation of a criminal investigation by Lindon police further complicates his situation. The details are many and tangled in this unfolding scandal, we explore the legal proceedings, the potential impact on Ballard’s reputation, and the broader implications for anti-trafficking organizations like OUR, and the negative attention that the LDS Church is getting from the scandals.
The Lawsuits and Lindon Police Investigation:
The initial lawsuit filed by five women alleges that Ballard engaged in a “couple’s ruse,” where women associated with OUR posed as his wife to deceive child sex traffickers. The victims claim they were subjected to sexual manipulation and abuse during these orchestrated overseas trips. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that a woman, possibly one of the five from the initial lawsuit, has contacted the Lindon police with a complaint. The woman’s identity remains protected, adhering to the newspaper’s policy not to disclose sexual assault victims without their consent.
Suzette Rasmussen, the attorney representing the seven plaintiffs in the two lawsuits, is listed as a contact for the woman who filed the recent report. Rasmussen confirmed the contents of the Lindon police report but refrained from providing additional comments.
Ballard’s Response and Resignation:
Denying the sexual assault allegations, Ballard, now listed as a senior adviser at The SPEAR Fund, an anti-trafficking organization, has not been contacted by law enforcement regarding the recent complaint. In a statement by Ken Krogue, president of The SPEAR Fund, it is suggested that the leak of the purported criminal complaint to the media is part of a deliberate effort to damage Ballard’s reputation and hinder anti-trafficking efforts.
Ballard resigned from OUR amid the sexual assault allegations, a move that raises questions about the internal dynamics of the organization and the potential impact on its ongoing operations. The fallout from these allegations may extend beyond Ballard, affecting the credibility of OUR and similar organizations dedicated to combating child sex trafficking.
The Political Angle:
The scandal has gained political attention, with Utah’s legislative auditor investigating whether Attorney General Sean Reyes’ office provided any state assistance to OUR or the film “Sound of Freedom,” which depicts the organization’s activities. Reyes’ long-standing friendship with Ballard is under scrutiny, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Ballard’s previous association with the Trump administration, including being a special adviser to Ivanka Trump and serving on a White House anti-human-trafficking board, adds another layer to the unfolding scandal. The political ramifications could extend beyond the individual allegations, impacting the broader discourse on anti-trafficking initiatives.
As the sexual harassment allegations against Tim Ballard continue to unfold, the legal proceedings, organizational dynamics, and political implications cast a shadow over the once-celebrated figure in the fight against child sex trafficking. The investigation’s outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of Operation Underground Railroad and influence the perception of anti-trafficking efforts at large. The unfolding scandal underscores the need for accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct within organizations dedicated to combating such heinous crimes.
