After allegedly using a text message app to change the apparent sender’s phone number to that of an ex-boyfriend on threatening text messages which she then sent to herself and family members, a local woman, 23-year-old Brittany A. Frane of Cadott, made her first appearance in Eau Claire County Court this past Wednesday, March 18, being charged with felony counts of terrorist threats and identity theft, along with misdemeanor charges of telephone harassment and obstructing an officer. The threats allegedly made by Frane threatened her own life and that of family members, as well as anyone who tried to intervene to help. The threatening text messages had an impact at the Stanley-Boyd school district late this past February, after one such threat was made against a high school student there.

During the incident and until Frane was arrested by police, the Stanley-Boyd school district went into a soft hold, with restricted movement inside the building and an increased law enforcement presence as well, even as the threats were deemed “not actively credible” by police, due to information obtained via phone analysis shortly after they were made.

During the incident this past February 17 and 18, police and detectives searched near the Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire based on information received from Frane, but without finding anything. They then searched the area again after more threats were reported by Frane, determining through digital forensic evidence that the messages had come from Frane’s phone.

At her first court appearance Wednesday, a $2,000 signature bond was set for the Cadott woman, on the conditions that she cannot have contact with the Stanley-Boyd school district or make threats of violence against anyone.

The U.S. justice system presumes a suspect’s innocence until they are shown guilty in a court of law. If convicted on all charges, Frane faces up to four years in prison. Her next court appearance is scheduled for this June.