Tim Ballard | |
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![]() Ballard speaking at Turning Point Action in 2023 | |
Born | Timothy Ballard Provo, Utah, U.S. |
Education | Brigham Young University (BA) Monterey Institute of International Studies (MA) |
Known for | Founder of Operation Underground Railroad |
Spouse | Katherine Ballard |
Children | 9 (2 adopted) |
Website | timothyballard |
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 a highly fictionalized account of Ballard's work.[9][10]