Five women filed a lawsuit in Utah's Third District Court against Tim Ballard, the founder and former head of the anti-trafficking group Operation Underground Railroad. The plaintiffs, who filed using initials to protect their privacy, accuse Ballard of sexual misconduct and sexual coercion.
The lawsuit alleges that Ballard and several co-defendants committed sexual assault, battery, conspiracy, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The plaintiffs also accused Operation Underground Railroad of failing in its fiduciary duties and requested damages to be proven at trial.
A central allegation in the suit involves a couples ruse, which the plaintiffs describe as a tool for sexual grooming. While Ballard previously stated the ruse was used to rescue children and avoid abuse, the lawsuit alleges he used the method to select women for missions and then insisted on building physical chemistry through activities such as showering together, participating in couples massages, and lap dances.
The suit also alleges that Ballard pressured women to visit strip clubs in Salt Lake City and used donor monies to purchase alcohol and pills. Additionally, the plaintiffs claim Ballard told them that if they drank alcohol in these settings, they should kiss him and spit the alcohol into his mouth.
Other co-defendants named in the suit include Operation Underground Railroad, Children Need Families, the SPEAR Fund, Liberty and Light, and three Utah companies: Rockwell Group Inc., Deacon Inc., and Slave Stealers LLC. The lawsuit also names Janet Russon, a psychic medium, alleging she was complicit in the abuse.
In a statement, Operation Underground Railroad categorically denied the allegations related to the organization and stated it would look forward to the litigation process. The organization stated it has taken measures to ensure objectivity and remains committed to combating sex trafficking.
