‘Sound of Freedom’ Inspiration Tim Ballard Denies Sexual Harassment Allegations After Resigning From Anti-Child Sex Trafficking Organization

Tim Ballard, a former Department of Homeland Security special agent and the founder of Operation Underground Railroad, speaks during an interview in Washington on June 21, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Tim Ballard, the former Department of Homeland Security agent who served as the inspiration for the blockbuster movie “Sound of Freedom,” has denied reports of sexual harassment after he resigned as CEO of an anti-child sex trafficking organization known as “Operation Underground Railroad” (O.U.R.).

Mr. Ballard’s resignation followed an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made against him by multiple women, Vice reported.

An O.U.R. spokesperson confirmed his departure in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times but didn’t explicitly state that his registration was due to the alleged sexual harassment claims.

“Tim Ballard resigned from O.U.R. on June 22, 2023. He has permanently separated from O.U.R.,” the spokesperson said. “O.U.R. is dedicated to combatting sexual abuse and does not tolerate sexual harassment or discrimination by anyone in its organization.”

The spokesperson added that the Utah-based organization, which was founded by Mr. Ballard in 2013, retained an independent, third-party law firm to conduct a “comprehensive investigation of all relevant allegations” and “continues to assess and improve the governance of the organization and protocols for its operations.”

The organization declined to provide further details and comments regarding Mr. Ballard’s departure in order to “preserve the integrity of its investigation and to protect the privacy of all persons involved.”

Jim Caviezel (L), actor in the human trafficking action film "Sound of Freedom,” and Tim Ballard, a former Department of Homeland Security special agent and founder of Operation Underground Railroad, speak during an interview in Washington on June 21, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

Ballard Denies ‘Tabloid-Driven’ Sexual Allegations

Mr. Ballard was quick to respond to the allegations in a Sept. 19 statement issued through the anti-trafficking SPEAR Fund organization, for which he serves as senior adviser for rescue operations.

“As with all of the assaults on my character and integrity over many years, the latest tabloid-driven sexual allegations are false. They are baseless inventions designed to destroy me and the movement we have built to end the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable children,” Mr. Ballard said.

“During my time at O.U.R., I designed strict guidelines for myself and our operators in the field. Sexual contact was prohibited, and I led by example. Given our meticulous attention to this issue, any suggestion of inappropriate sexual contact is categorically false.”

According to the Vice report, more than seven women made sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Ballard.

Image from the "Sound of Freedom," starring Jim Caviezel, released nationwide on July 4, 2023. Courtesy Angel Studios

‘Sound of Freedom’ Success

In “Sound of Freedom,” directed by Alejandro Monteverde and produced by Eduardo Verástegui, Mr. Ballard—played by actor Jim Caviezel—rescues a boy from ruthless child traffickers only to discover that the boy’s sister is still being held captive by the group. He decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her, quitting his job to venture deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line in the process.

The film received resounding approval from former President Donald Trump, who hosted a screening of the movie at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, in June.

On Sept. 18, Mr. Ballard, who is also considering a run for the U.S. Senate in Utah to replace retiring Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, issued a statement affirming his commitment to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after it accused him of using the name of a high-level LDS church leader for his “personal advantage and activity regarded as morally unacceptable.”

In a statement to FOX 13 News, the church stated: “[The high-level LDS official has] never authorized his name, or the name of the Church, to be used for Tim’s personal or financial interests. In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints never endorsed, funded, supported or represented OUR, Tim Ballard or any projects associated with them.”

Mr. Ballard, however, said church officials have been unable to verify the authenticity of the statement given to media publications including FOX 13.

“We are also highly suspicious about the timing of such a statement given its close proximity to Mitt Romney’s announcement that he is retiring, and my own public comments that I am prayerfully considering running for public office,” the statement reads. “The LDS church does not engage in political activity.”

“I am a faithful Member in good standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures, and I believe in our faith with my whole heart. That will never change,” he added.