More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.
More than 1,200 sexual assault survivors helped since 2023.

Tim Ballard Accusations & Lawsuits

Self-styled anti-sex trafficking activist Tim Ballard faces a series of sexual misconduct allegations, and several civil lawsuits have been filed against him. If you have been impacted, here’s how you can seek help.

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Survivor Advocate
Key Takeaways
  • Tim Ballard was the CEO of the anti-sex trafficking organization Operation Underground Railroad from 2013-2023 but was forced to resign after allegations of sexual misconduct became public.
  • Ballard and associates currently face several lawsuits citing sexual misconduct and fraud both in state and federal courts alongside criminal investigations for his alleged behavior.
  • If Ballard’s actions impacted you or someone you know, you have legal rights and options. We’re here to help you understand them.

Who is Tim Ballard?

Tim Ballard is the founder and former CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, or OUR, a controversial anti-sex trafficking organization launched in 2013. He has faced many controversies while running the organization, including the live broadcasting of sex trafficking raids, illegal fundraising efforts, and allegations of sexual misconduct raised by employees, contractors, and volunteers.

Vice first covered the sexual misconduct allegations in July 2023, after an anonymous letter was sent to OUR employees and donors alleging a pattern of sexual grooming and manipulation of women associated with the organization.

Tim Ballard was forced to leave OUR and is currently running the Spear Fund, which also claims to have a mission of ending sex trafficking. In September 2023, Ballard was also publicly denounced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Utah’s governor called for a criminal investigation into the allegations against Tim Ballard.

Tim Ballard Accusations

Tim Ballard is facing a variety of sexual misconduct allegations related to his work at Operation Underground Railroad involving the following misconduct:

  • Sexually grooming women and couples, often referred to as “the couple ruse”
  • Inviting women to play his wife in undercover raids and coercing them into intimate situations
  • Sexual harassment
  • Inappropriate touching
  • Sexual assault
  • Sexual battery

In October 2023, five women filed a lawsuit against Ballard and members of OUR related to the sexual misconduct allegations. A married couple also filed suit against Ballard and associates with similar allegations involving the “couple ruse.”

As of January 2025, at least seven women have filed lawsuits against Tim Ballard and his associates. Many of the alleged victims were also members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While state courts have dismissed several of these lawsuits due to an alleged lack of evidence, these impacted individuals remain steadfast in their allegations and continue their fight by filing federal lawsuits against Ballard and associates.

Tim Ballard also reportedly appears to be under criminal investigation for sexual misconduct and fraud in at least seven jurisdictions, although he has yet to be officially criminally charged as of publication.

Tim Ballard News - January 2025

  • October 2024: Six women who previously filed state court lawsuits filed suit in federal court against Ballard and his associates, alleging violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. 
  • October 2024: Ballard sued the other six accusers for defamation.
  • September 2024: Ballard filed a defamation lawsuit against Miss Utah Amy Morgan Davis for her comments to the New York Times about his sexual misconduct allegations.
  • Summer 2024: Utah courts dismissed three lawsuits against Ballard, citing a lack of evidence.

Ballard has continued to deny any wrongdoing and the series of sexual misconduct and fraud allegations against him.

Reporting Options for Individuals Impacted by Tim Ballard

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the conduct of Tim Ballard or others associated with Operation Underground Railroad or his new venture, the Spear Fund, you have legal rights and options.

We understand that standing up to Ballard can feel daunting due to fear of retaliation—especially since he is known to attempt to silence accusers with defamation lawsuits, which some might call litigation abuse

Even if you fear Ballard could retaliate against you, we believe you should know your rights and options. If you have any questions or want to explore these options, we’re here to help.

Contact us today, and we can answer any questions and connect you with an experienced attorney for a free consultation to learn if filing a lawsuit against Ballard and his associates makes sense for you.

Report Tim Ballard to Law Enforcement

You have a right to file a police report against Tim Ballard if you believe he engaged in criminal misconduct such as sexual assault, sexual grooming, and fraud.

In general, you must report the incident in person at the local police precinct in the jurisdiction where the harm happened. Based on media reports, most of the alleged harm seems to have occurred in Utah and California. The media has reported that criminal investigations are ongoing by police at the following departments and at least three others:

  • Campbell Police Department
  • LAX Police Department
  • San Diego Police Department
  • Orange County Sheriff’s Department

You may also want to file a criminal report against Tim Ballard with the FBI, which you can do via their electronic tip form. If you have questions about the criminal process, read this article or contact us.

File a Lawsuit Against Tim Ballard

You may also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against Tim Ballard, Operation Underground Railroad, and other relevant third parties. A civil lawsuit enables individuals to seek justice and accountability for the harm that happened to them alongside monetary damages and other civil remedies.

Several individuals have already filed civil lawsuits against Ballard and associates for sexual abuse, fraud, and other claims. To learn if filing a lawsuit makes sense for you, contact us. We can connect you to an experienced attorney for a free case evaluation.

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How to File a Lawsuit Against Tim Ballard for Sex Trafficking or Other Abuse

There are many considerations involved in filing a sexual abuse lawsuit, including whether you were employed by the organization, the civil statute of limitations in the jurisdiction where the harm happened, and a variety of other factors.

If you signed a non-disclosure agreement or a personal relationship NDA with Ballard or his associates, you might still have the right to pursue a claim. NDAs are generally unenforceable regarding criminal conduct.

An experienced sexual abuse attorney can clarify this process and what is involved. They typically take such cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they charge no upfront costs and only get paid if and when they win the case.

The lawyer will handle the legal work involved with pursuing a lawsuit, including drafting the initial complaint, responding to motions filed by the other party, conducting discovery and depositions, and representing you at trial if necessary.

Given Ballard’s claims of innocence and the litigation he has filed against his accusers, you will need a fierce advocate on your side who is unafraid to stand up for your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.

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