(Tabor) A Russell, Iowa, man was arrested in connection to threats made toward a Fremont-Mills School Board Member.
On August 19, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office received a report concerning a threat allegedly made against a Fremont-Mills Community School District School Board member in connection with a vote scheduled for that evening’s school board meeting.
The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer investigated the incident. According to the criminal complaint, the victim received a telephone call from a blocked/private number. During the call, the caller allegedly threatened the victim and told the victim to vote a certain way during the upcoming school board meeting or face consequences, including a threat of violence.
Deputies determined that the telephone number used to place the call was associated with Eric Ballanger, 52, of Russell, Iowa.
An arrest warrant was issued for Ballanger. On August 28, Ballanger was arrested without incident by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.
Following Ballanger’s arrest, investigators conducted a forensic examination of his cellphone. The examination showed that a blocked/private call was placed to the school board member on the morning of August 19. It also showed a second blocked/private call placed to another Fremont-Mills School Board member that morning. The second call was not answered. Deputies also determined that Ballanger had viewed a social media post concerning the upcoming school board vote earlier that morning.
Ballanger was charged with Threat of Terrorism, in violation of Iowa Code § 708A.5, a Class D felony. Ballanger was released from the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office on August 28, 2026, after posting a $5,000 surety bond.
The charges referenced in this release are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
