On June 13, 2025, a federal jury in Tucson, Arizona found Brian Thomas Balda, a 52-year-old resident of Oregon, guilty of one count of cyberstalking and one count of interstate stalking. The trial lasted four days and was presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Angela M. Martinez. Each conviction carries a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for September 4, 2025.
Balda's actions took place during 2023 and 2024 when he engaged in efforts to intimidate and harass a former United States government official. Over approximately ten months, Balda sent abusive text messages and voicemails to the victim. He later traveled from Oregon to Arizona intending to confront the victim but was arrested near the victim’s residence by law enforcement officers. At the time of his arrest, authorities discovered four knives, binoculars, and a replica handgun in Balda’s vehicle.
The investigation was conducted 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 managed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Tucson.
