Five women sue 'Sound of Freedom' inspirer Tim Ballard, alleging sexual assault and battery

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Tim Ballard, the individual whose life story inspired the movie «Sound of Freedom,» with accusations of sexual assault and battery. The lawsuit, filed in the Third Judicial District Court of Utah on Monday, follows the recent revelation that Ballard had resigned from Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.), the non-profit organization he established.

Ballard had been under investigation by an independent firm hired by O.U.R., examining allegations of coercing at least seven women into playing the role of «wives» during overseas missions, an allegation he vehemently denied.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Monday, includes a woman referred to as «WW.» She had reached out to Ballard on Instagram in April 2021, suspecting that the person she was dating might be involved in human trafficking.

Ballard reportedly invited her to his office in Lehi, Utah, to discuss her concerns. During their conversation, he asked her if she would consider going undercover, and though she initially declined, she said she would contemplate it.

Afterward, she was instructed to sign a non-disclosure agreement and keep everything confidential.

During their discussion, Ballard shared details about a tactic he used in missions known as the «Couples Ruse,» where women accompanied him to avoid arousing suspicion from traffickers. Although Ballard claimed to have strict rules for the «Couples Ruse,» such as no kissing or sexual touching, the lawsuit alleges he used it to groom the women.

The suit provides accounts of Ballard undermining WW's trust in a person who had helped her heal from a previous sexual assault.

Another instance describes Ballard allegedly touching the woman's leg during a meeting at his office as part of mission preparation. The