SALT LAKE CITY — Several women, who have chosen to remain anonymous, say they were spiritually manipulated and sexually harassed by Tim Ballard and that his behavior "crossed the line."
Suzette Rasmussen, an attorney representing former employees and contractors of Operation Underground Railroad read a statement Thursday on behalf of the anonymous group of women.
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"Our involvement with Operation Underground Railroad was rooted in our commitment to fight against human trafficking," Rasmussen read. "But while engaging in that noble cause, we were subjected to sexual harassment, spiritual manipulation, grooming and sexual misconduct."
Rasmussen declined to say how many clients she is representing.
She said she believes the total number of victims being estimated at "seven" seemed "pretty close to accurate."
Ballard has denied the allegations.
"These women wanted their voice heard, and they wanted to affirm the truth of these allegations," Rasmussen said. "We believe you, and we are standing by your side as you embark on your own healing journey."
She took questions, but declined to comment on the following topics:
• Number of clients
• Nature of sexual misconduct
• Expanding on the definition of spiritual manipulation
• Whether victims reported concerns to law enforcement
• Next steps, legal or otherwise
• OUR’s response to the allegations
• Whether clients are satisfied with the response from OUR
• Tim Ballard’s defense that his interactions with women were part of a “couples ruse” intended to dupe human traffickers
• Whether she can provide background information about the women’s roles with OUR
• Whether any of the involved parties have signed nondisclosure agreements
• Whether she believes any of these cases have anything to do with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' condemnation of Ballard.
• Whether each of the women experienced the same type of misconduct
• Ages of the women
• Whether any of the women are from Utah
• Whether Rasmussen has any male clients
• Whether any of her clients have information about the criminal fraud investigation into Ballard and OUR
• Whether the women feel that Ballard has been appropriately held accountable
• Whether Rasmussen has been contacted by the Utah Attorney General’s Office or any other law enforcement agency
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"We acknowledge the risks involved with challenging someone as prominent as Tim Ballard," Rasmussen read. "We will reveal our stories in our own time and in our own way and on our own terms, but for now, we choose to remain anonymous... I can’t state what may or may not happen with litigation, with regard to litigation, at this time."
Rasmussen added that the group of women thought it was important to come forward publicly to protect themselves and others, encouraging other individuals to also come forward with their stories.
"The women feel very strongly that the fight against human trafficking is a noble endeavor and one they were eager to engage in," Rasmussen said. "But the behavior of Tim Ballard crossed the line and these women cannot remain silent."
READ: Tim Ballard responds to condemnation from his own church
Rasmussen stated more details would be coming in the future. She added the women are focused on rebuilding their lives and moving on.
"These are real women whose lives were affected," she said. "Through their marriages, through their families and they're working to rebuild from here and heal."
OUR released a new statement on Thursday in anticipation of Rasmussen's press conference, confirming the receipt of misconduct allegations.
Prior to his permanent separation from the nonprofit he founded, Ballard was placed on administrative leave pending an independent, external investigation.
"At the conclusion of the investigation, as previously stated by O.U.R., Mr. Ballard resigned. Mr. Ballard’s alleged misconduct does not represent O.U.R.’s values or others within the organization. O.U.R. is dedicated to combatting sexual abuse and stands with anyone who has been victimized. O.U.R. is sensitive to the privacy concerns of any individuals affected by this and is committed to upholding our duty to protect their anonymity. O.U.R.’s mission does not change, and we are committed to continuing our domestic and international efforts, in collaboration with law enforcement, to rescue any and all from the scourge of human trafficking."
