John Wayne Balderston, 38, Pierz, was charged Oct. 21 with two felony counts of violating a no-contact order.
According to the criminal complaint, on Aug. 28, Balderston was ordered to have no contact with a victim following two charges of felony domestic assault.
Between Aug. 28 and Oct. 2, Balderston allegedly wrote a letter to the victim from jail. Among statements included in the letter were: “I really need to talk to you” and “I can’t believe you actually want me to go to prison.”
On Oct. 2 and 3, Balderston was hospitalized for a medical issue. During his hospitalization, Balderston allegedly called the victim and left messages three times. The messages were preserved by the victim. In one message, Balderston allegedly said, “It would sure be nice if you got a hold of the prosecuting attorney and tell him you are not going to trial and it never happened” and “I can’t believe that you … don’t want to come and see me.”
On Oct. 20, at 8:30 a.m., law enforcement at a business in Little Falls observed the driver of a nearby vehicle become nervous when an officer pulled into the parking lot.
The driver got out of the car and quickly walked into the business. The officer made contact with the driver while leaving the store and identified him as Balderston.
Balderston allegedly admitted he did not have a driver’s license and claimed he had to drive for a court hearing and doctor’s appointment. He allegedly could not remember the name of the doctor or the clinic at which his alleged appointment was scheduled.
The officer discovered that Balderston had active warrants out for his arrest and called for backup to take Balderston into custody.
As Balderston exited the vehicle, officers observed in plain sight a container which Balderston allegedly admitted contained marijuana.
A pipe with marijuana residue was also in plain view in the vehicle. Also located in the vehicle was a container in which was found a crystal powder that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
Balderston’s criminal record shows a previous conviction for a fifth-degree controlled substance crime in 2013 and previous convictions for felony domestic abuse and third-degree assault in 2007.
If convicted, Balderston faces up to five years in prison and/or $10,000 in fines for each count of violating the no-contact order, and up to 10 years in prison and/or $20,000 in fines for the meth possession.