Nichole Gilda McDonald, a 37-year-old mother of five, is out on bail after spending four nights in custody. Authorities charged her under the Cyber Crime Act for allegedly posting false information about Commissioner of Police Chester Williams.
Police arrested McDonald, a matron at the Youth Cadet Corps, on March 5, claiming her online statement was meant to harm Commissioner Williams.
In court, McDonald pleaded not guilty. She explained that she only commented on a statement made by her party leader. She insisted she had no harmful intent and was merely reacting to events in Cayo.
The magistrate outlined the possible penalties under the Cyber Crime Act: up to $10,000 in fines or a maximum of five years in prison. McDonald revealed that she and Commissioner Williams were Facebook friends. She said her post was a response to a message from her party leader. However, the magistrate advised her to present her defense at trial.
McDonald, who is grieving the loss of two of her children’s fathers, expressed distress over the situation. The prosecutor did not oppose bail, which the court set at $1,000 with one surety.
As part of her bail conditions, McDonald must stay away from Commissioner Williams and his family. She also cannot use Facebook or get into further legal trouble.
Her next court date is May 14, 2025.
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