We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens for the safety of McKinleyville would like to petition the Court to revoke the probation of Jason Balke, and have him serve his five-year suspended sentence in prison.

We understand that Mr. Balke was sentenced on December 8, 2015 to five years in prison, with that term suspended, and he was placed on a grant of formal supervised probation with a referral for drug treatment.  We also understand that he was arrested on January 14, 2016 for violating the terms of his probation.

His criminal record is extensive, ranging from possession of methamphetamine, armed robbery, burglary, trespassing, assault with a deadly weapon, assault on peace officers, brandishing, and numerous other violations.  He roams the streets of McKinleyville making verbal threats to all who he encounters, often carrying a stick or other form of weapon.  The residents of Park Avenue cannot let their children play outside, for fear of this menace.  People don’t feel safe even going to and from their vehicles, lest he be nearby.  He has repeatedly trespassed on the grounds of McKinleyville Shopping Center, threatening shoppers and merchants alike.  On one day, he was arrested three times, and was back on their grounds within hours of the arrests.  Recently, he had also entered Coast Central Credit Union, taunted the tellers, and ‘cased’ their vehicles which were parked to the rear of the business.  Bank employees now carry pepper spray because of this incident.

This has to stop.  The citizens of McKinleyville have a right to the enjoyment of our public spaces without being terrorized by a criminal with psychological and drug problems.  Our children have a right to play in the area without the risk of being assaulted or intimidated by this individual.  We would heavily encourage you to do the right thing for our residents, and remove Mr. Balke to prison, where he belongs.  He earned his cell.  Please make it happen.

SGD, Concerned Citizens for McKinleyville, and the McKinleyville Community Watch.