Legal Turmoil: Prosecutor Allegedly Threatens Judges Amid Personal Turmoil

In a case that’s shaking up Wisconsin’s legal circles, a St. Croix County prosecutor is now on the other side of the law. Bela “Alec” Ballo, a 33-year-old Assistant District Attorney, has been charged with making alarming threats against three local judges—men he reportedly blamed for “making his life hell.”

According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, Ballo allegedly told a colleague that Judges Scott Needham, Scott Nordstrand, and Edward Vlack had it out for him. During an intense phone call, Ballo was said to be visibly agitated, claiming the judges were intentionally issuing rulings to ruin his professional standing.

And then came the most shocking part: the prosecutor allegedly shouted that “they just need to bleed.”

A Colleague’s Call Raises the Alarm

The complaint stems from a call Ballo made to a fellow attorney in late March. That coworker told investigators that Ballo had become increasingly frustrated over recent court decisions, and during the conversation, his tone turned dark. He repeatedly blamed the judges for undermining his cases, saying they were targeting him.

By the end of the call, Ballo’s anger escalated to the disturbing phrase: “They just need to bleed.” Alarmed, the colleague reported the conversation to authorities, prompting an investigation.

Trouble at Home Adds to Legal Storm

The legal problems don’t end with the threats. In a separate but related incident, Ballo’s wife came forward to report a tense and frightening car ride. She told police that on March 26, Ballo drove recklessly at speeds over 90 mph while yelling at her—with their kids in the back seat.

She also accused him of verbal abuse and said she feared for her safety. After police began looking into the situation, they searched the family’s home and reportedly found marijuana and drug paraphernalia. That discovery led to additional charges for possession.

Facing Court and Mounting Scrutiny

Ballo now faces three felony counts of making terrorist threats along with misdemeanor charges tied to the domestic incident and drug possession. He’s due to appear in court on April 16.

Through his attorney, Ballo has denied the allegations. A statement released by his defense team says he “vigorously denies the allegations levied against him” and will fight the charges in court. They added that Ballo, like anyone else, deserves the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Fallout in the Legal World

Within legal circles, the news has landed like a thunderclap. Ballo has served in the St. Croix County DA’s office for years and was once considered a rising figure. The idea that a prosecutor—someone tasked with upholding the law—could be charged with threatening the very judges he appears before has left many in the community stunned.

“This kind of behavior, if proven true, is absolutely unacceptable,” said one retired judge who asked not to be named. “We deal with pressure all the time, but we expect professionalism, no matter how difficult things get.”

Raising Bigger Questions

Beyond the immediate charges, Ballo’s case has sparked broader conversations about mental health in the legal profession. Prosecutors, judges, and defense attorneys often work under immense stress, juggling difficult cases, long hours, and public scrutiny.

While that pressure doesn’t excuse inappropriate behavior, experts say it highlights a need for better support systems and mental health care for those working in high-stress legal roles.

What Happens Next

As the court date approaches, the St. Croix community—and the larger legal world—will be watching closely. The outcome could have serious consequences not only for Ballo’s career but for public trust in the justice system.

For now, a man who once prosecuted criminals in front of a judge is preparing to stand in front of one himself.