On June 13, 2025, a federal jury in Tucson, Arizona, found Brian Thomas Balda of Oregon guilty of cyberstalking and interstate stalking. The verdict came after a four-day trial overseen by U.S. District Court Judge Angela M. Martinez. Each conviction carries a potential maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. Sentencing is set for September 4, 2025.
Balda’s actions took place over the course of 2023 and 2024 when he targeted a former United States government official with an intimidation campaign. For about ten months, Balda sent offensive text messages and voicemails to the victim. He then traveled from Oregon to Arizona intending to confront the victim but was apprehended by law enforcement near the victim’s residence. Authorities discovered four knives, binoculars, and a replica handgun in Balda’s vehicle at the time of his arrest.
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 in Tucson.
