MARION COUNTY — A 51-year-old Centralia woman appeared in Marion County Court Tuesday for a first appearance with counsel on charges she posted intimidating comments on Facebook about a Centralia police officer.

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

Shirlena Barnes was arrested and charged last month with Class 2 felony aggravated intimidation of a peace officer and Class 3 felony intimidation to cause physical harm. A Class 2 felony is punishable by between 3 and 15 years in prison if convicted and a Class 3 intimidation by between 2 and 10 years in prison.

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 neither 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.”

Judge Kevin Parker noted at Barnes’ arraignment that due to having no criminal history Barnes’ bail was set at $5,000. She was released from jail after posting $500 cash bond. She’s been appointed a public defender to represent her in court. She is next due in court for a status hearing on November 22.