Oregon Man Found Guilty of Stalking Ex-Gov Official

TUCSON, Ariz. – In a chilling case of cyberharassment turned into a face-to-face confrontation, federal jurors handed down a guilty verdict against Brian Thomas Balda, 52, of Oregon, finding him responsible for one count of Cyberstalking and one count of Interstate Stalking. The trial before U.S. District Court Judge Angela M. Martinez concluded on June 13, 2025, with Balda facing a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each charge.

Balda’s campaign of intimidation began in 2023 and continued into 2024, targeting a former United States government official. Over ten months, the defendant engaged in a relentless pattern of sending abusive and profane text messages and voicemails. His pursuit reached its crescendo when he traveled across state lines to confront his victim face-to-face, leading to his arrest near the victim’s residence in Arizona.

Arrested with him were four knives, binoculars, and a replica handgun, found in his vehicle at the time of his capture. Balda now faces potential sentences that include not only time behind bars but also substantial fines and years of supervised release.

The investigation into Balda’s activities was led by the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office, with support from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the University of Arizona Police Department. The prosecution was handled by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, ensuring justice for the victim.

Sentencing is set for September 4, 2025, where Balda will learn the full extent of his punishment. The case number is CR-24-1182-TUC-AMM-MAA, and the release number is 2025-103_Balda. For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit their official website or follow them on Twitter at @USAO_AZ for updates.

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