Lawyer Accused of Threatening Judges in St. Croix County

News Summary

Assistant District Attorney Bela Ballo is facing serious allegations for reportedly threatening three judges during a phone call. Concerning claims reveal frustrations towards the judges, sparking scrutiny over his conduct. Ballo faces multiple charges, including threats to a judge and disorderly conduct, amidst staffing challenges in the District Attorney’s Office. As the legal community watches closely, the implications on the local judicial system remain significant.

Assistant District Attorney Accused of Threatening Judges in St. Croix County

In a shocking turn of events, St. Croix County Assistant District Attorney Bela Ballo is facing serious allegations after reportedly threatening three judges. The accusations have surfaced from an unsettling phone call with a coworker, where Ballo allegedly expressed his disdain for the judges in a manner that has raised concerns within the local legal community. During this call, he purportedly claimed the judges “need to bleed,” explicitly naming the judges he frequently appears before in court.

The coworker reported Ballo was in an extremely angry state during their conversation, aggressively vocalizing threats against the judges. The accusations highlight Ballo’s frustrations regarding what he perceives as a hostile work environment fostered by the judges. He contended that unfavorable rulings and dismissals of cases in court were detrimental to his work as an ADA.

Criminal Prosecution and Charges

The criminal complaint against Ballo was filed on April 4 and includes three counts of battery or threats to a judge, alongside other charges of disorderly conduct, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia, stemming from an incident involving his wife. The severity of the allegations has resulted in heightened scrutiny of Ballo’s professional conduct as the legal community awaits further developments in the case.

Ballo’s next court hearing is scheduled for April 16. The St. Croix County District Attorney’s Office has opted not to comment on the situation, leaving many within the community anxious about the implications of these actions on the integrity of the local judicial system.

Circuit Court Judge Position Candidates Forum

Heather Amos, James Johnson, and Brian Smestad. A candidate forum will offer insights into their judicial philosophies and plans for the future of the court system. The primary election for this position is set for February 18, with the general election scheduled for April 1. The victorious candidate will serve a six-year term commencing on August 1.

Heather Amos, currently serving as the Corporation Counsel for St. Croix County, boasts 22 years of experience in county government and holds a law degree from Hamline University. James Johnson comes with over 34 years of diverse legal experience and is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. He has contributed to the Governor’s Judicial Selection Advisory Council. Completing the trio, Brian Smestad is a Deputy District Attorney for St. Croix County with 27 years of legal experience, previously serving as a public defender.

During the forum, all candidates unanimously asserted the need for judges to be nonpartisan and to apply the law objectively, stressing the significance of treating each case based on its unique facts and applicable law. Amos proposed a groundbreaking family treatment court aimed at helping parents regain custody of their children, projecting potential savings for taxpayers down the line. Johnson underscored the critical need for enhanced mental health and drug treatment resources within the justice system. Smestad advocated for the establishment of a mental health treatment facility in St. Croix County, citing challenges caused by the transportation difficulties of individuals seeking care elsewhere.

Ongoing Challenges in the District Attorney’s Office

Amidst the backdrop of potential judicial changes, the St. Croix County District Attorney’s Office grapples with persistent staffing issues that have resulted in significant workload burdens and attorney burnout. The office has faced high turnover rates, struggling to attract new legal talent due to comparatively low salaries relative to public defenders. District Attorney Karl Anderson has recognized that these staffing shortages impact case processing times and overall efficiency in the justice system. Assistant District Attorney Aaron Damrau has highlighted the overwhelming caseload and the urgent need to prioritize cases owing to inadequate staff resources.

As the community watches these developments unfold, the intersection of legal integrity, judicial accountability, and staffing concerns within the St. Croix County District Attorney’s Office creates a perfect storm of challenges requiring immediate attention and resolution.