MARION COUNTY — A 51-year-old Centralia woman posted bond today and was released from the Marion County Jail, after being arrested on intimidation charges allegedly stemming from statements she made on social media.

Shirlena Barnes (Source: MCSO)
Shirlena Barnes
(Source: MCSO)

Shirlena Barnes was formally charged this morning in Marion County Court with Class 2 felony aggravated intimidation of a peace officer and Class 3 felony intimidation to cause physical harm.

According to state statute, a person commits intimidation when, with intent to cause another person to perform or not perform any act, he or she communicates directly or indirectly a threat of physical harm to the person threatened or to any other person.

According to Marion County State’s Attorney Matt Wilzbach, the charges stem from a post on Barnes’ Facebook page where she names someone by first name, then in a subsequent comment states that person doesn’t “ believe that what goes around come around and when you got kids of your own.

Wilzbach says the statement “what goes around comes around” is a threat and then references the officer’s children.

While the actual post, nor comment refer to the person as an officer, gives a last name, or tags anyone, a subsequent post by Barnes does claim  police officials are doing personal business while on duty, including “attending a birthday party and sitting at someone’s house for two hours.”

Friends, family and community members went to the Marion County Courthouse this morning in support of Barnes. Judge Kevin Parker noted that due to having no criminal history Barnes’ bail was set at $5,000. She was released from jail after posting $500 cash bond.