Case dismissed for woman initially accused of making terrorist threats toward school, authorities

The case for a Tahlequah woman who was initially accused of making terrorist threats toward a school and authorities was dismissed in Cherokee County District Court Monday, Sept. 9.

Frances Nichole Baldonado, 36, had pleaded not guilty to terroristic threats and threatening to perform an act of violence during an initial appearance in January 2024.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Cherokee County Sheriff Jason Chennault was contacted by District 27 Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force Agent Pete Broderick, who was informed that threats were made toward students at Woodall School.

On Nov. 29, 2023, Broderick said the threats were made on a Facebook page that was named Birdie Lamont.

Chennault advised the school resource deputy of the situation and instructed him to put the school on lockdown. Broderick discovered that Facebook page belonged to Baldonado.

Authorities went to the school to assist with the lockdown and investigators went to Baldonado’s residence, which was half a mile from the school. Baldonado was arrested and transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center for booking.

On Aug. 2, Baldonado's charges were amended to harassing and threatening electronic communication, a misdemeanor. She was slated for jury trial Monday, Sept. 9, but the case was dismissed.