Tim Ballard

Not to be confused with Tom Ballard.

Tim Ballard
Ballard speaking at Turning Point Action in 2023
Born
Timothy Ballard

Provo, Utah, U.S.
EducationBrigham Young University (BA)
Monterey Institute of International Studies (MA)
Known forFounder of Operation Underground Railroad
SpouseKatherine Ballard
Children9 (2 adopted)
Websitetimothyballard.com

Timothy Ballard is the founder and former CEO of Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.),[1] an anti-sex trafficking organization.[2][3][4][5] Ballard was removed as CEO and forced to leave O.U.R. in 2023 amid accusations of sexual misconduct by multiple employees.[6] Shortly afterward, five women filed a lawsuit against Ballard, accusing him of coercing them into sexual acts during his sting operations. Another lawsuit was then filed against Ballard by a married couple, accusing him of sexual assault and grooming. Utah Governor Spencer Cox subsequently called for a criminal investigation into Ballard's actions.

In a September 2023 statement, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement condemning Ballard for "activity regarded as morally unacceptable."[7] In a December 2023 statement posted on its website, O.U.R. said an independent law firm reached the conclusion that Ballard had "engaged in unprofessional behavior that violated OUR's policies and values."[8]

The 2023 American Christian thriller film Sound of Freedom, starring Jim Caviezel, is inspired by Ballard's work.[9][10]

  1. ^ Merlan, Anna (July 13, 2023). "Tim Ballard Has 'Stepped Away' From Operation Underground Railroad, Org Says". Vice. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  2. ^ "Founder, CEO of Operation Underground Railroad to speak at UVU". DeseretNews.com. October 7, 2016. Archived from the original on September 29, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  3. ^ "Crossfit OUR". Crossfit OUR. Archived from the original on July 15, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2017.
  4. ^ Conley, Meg (May 11, 2021). "Called by God". Slate. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  5. ^ "Biographic Information for Members of the Public-Private Partnership Advisory Council to End Human Trafficking". United States Department of State. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  6. ^ Lewis, Scott (September 19, 2023). ""Nothing will change my core beliefs": Tim Ballard issues statement calling LDS denunciation 'alleged'". ABC4 Utah. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  7. ^ Herbets, Adam (January 27, 2024). "New court filings detail Tim Ballard's discipline with LDS Church". www.fox13now.com. Fox 13 Salt Lake City. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
  8. ^ Beal-Cvetko, Bridger. "Operation Underground Railroad announces new leadership after Tim Ballard ouster". www.ksl.com. Deseret Digital Media. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  9. ^ Jurgensen, John (July 2, 2023). "A Child-Trafficking Thriller Is Taking on Hollywood. Who's Behind It?". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved July 11, 2023.
  10. ^ Lehmann, Chris (August 7, 2023). ""Sound of Freedom" Is a QAnon Fever Dream". The Nation. Retrieved October 20, 2023.