Jurors on Wednesday afternoon convicted a Columbia Falls man of threatening to shoot up local churches and harm his ex-wife.  

After deliberating for roughly two-and-a-half hours, the Flathead County District Court jury found 35-year-old Jacob Balbas guilty of felony counts of intimidation and criminal endangerment.  

Judge Danni Coffman presided over the trial, which began April 13 and wrapped up April 15. County Attorney Travis Ahner prosecuted the case. 

On Nov. 1, 2024, Balbas allegedly made violent death threats over text against an ex, who was concerned for her safety and her children’s safety, as reported by the Hungry Horse News.  

The next day he allegedly made threats to shoot up churches throughout the Flathead Valley. A chaplain received a report that Balbas believed he died, spoke to God and returned to save the earth, according to the Hungry Horse News.  

During a court-approved search of Balbas’s home, authorities allegedly discovered a “sniper’s nest” with a loaded AR-15-style rifle lying beside a window that had blinds partly drawn and overlooked the entrance of the property.  

Before jury deliberations began, Coffman approved a request from defense attorney Keenan Gallagher, who represented Balbas, to add the lesser offense of negligent endangerment alongside the original criminal endangerment charge on the verdict form, according to court records. 

But jurors ultimately found him guilty of the original, more serious charge, and Balbas was remanded into custody until his sentencing, which is scheduled for May 5.  

Balbas was initially held on $1 million bail but later released to the custody of his father, Michael Balbas, and apparently underwent mental health treatment in Idaho.  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 406-758-4407 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at dailyinterlake.com/support.