Gambian-born, U.S.-based artist Sailou Mballow, professionally known as AYA, pleaded not guilty Monday to multiple charges including attempted arson in a Winnebago County case, as court proceedings continue toward a September sentencing date.
Mballow, 28, faces charges including attempted arson of a building and criminal damage to property stemming from a July incident in which authorities say he set a vehicle on fire amid domestic difficulties with his wife and expressed a desire to end his life.
Mballow, facing the State of Wisconsin, entered not-guilty pleas on August 10 to four counts stemming from incidents in July. The primary charge is attempted arson of a building without the owner’s consent, a Class C felony under Wisconsin Statute 943.02(1)(a), with an offense date of July 21.
Additional charges include second-degree recklessly endangering safety (Class G felony), criminal damage to property (Class A misdemeanor with a domestic abuse modifier), and disorderly conduct (Class B misdemeanor, also with a domestic abuse assessment).
Court conditions prohibit contact with the alleged victim and bar Mballow from the Frederick Street location, except for a one-time police-escorted retrieval of belongings after a 72-hour no-contact period expires, provided no other orders interfere. He is also forbidden from possessing dangerous weapons, lighters, matches, gasoline or other accelerants; must remain in Wisconsin; take prescribed medications; and provide a DNA sample.
Cash bond was amended to $5,000 while Mballow remains an inpatient at Rogers Behavioral Health. If he leaves the facility, the bond reverts to $50,000. Transportation to the center is restricted to Musa Correo only. Sources indicate the placement at the Appleton-area Rogers facility allows Mballow to pursue behavioral health treatment while awaiting sentencing, scheduled for September 14. His legal team has cited mental health concerns as a factor in seeking this arrangement during the pre-sentencing period. While at the facility, Mballow’s external communication is limited primarily through his attorney.
Rogers Behavioral Health focuses on specialized mental and behavioral health care rather than long-term institutionalization. The court ordered the inpatient stay as a condition of the reduced bond, with the understanding that compliance could factor into future proceedings. Mballow remains presumed innocent of all charges pending further court action.
Authorities have not released additional details on the underlying incidents beyond the charging documents. The case continues to draw attention due to Mballow’s profile as an artist with roots in The Gambia.
