Ann Marie Schmidt, 46, of Pevely has been charged with a felony for reportedly threatening to blow up Gracelife Chapel, 1 Victory Drive, southwest of Pevely late last month. It was the second time she allegedly threatened to blow up the church, court records show.
She was charged on Jan. 30 with first-degree harassment, a class E felony, for the most recent incident. In November 2022, she was charged with second-degree making a terrorist threat, a class E felony, stemming from an incident in April of that year, according to court documents.
Class E felonies are punishable by up to four years in prison.
Schmidt was arrested on Feb. 2 and was being held Feb. 3 without bond at the Jefferson County Jail in Hillsboro.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reported that Schmidt allegedly sent a text message to a church employee on Jan. 26 that said, “I will make your church go bye bye.” She also reportedly texted, “Wouldn’t be the first time I cause a building to go bye bye.” In addition, she said she planned to be on the church parking lot on Jan. 29, the probable-cause statement in the case said.
Schmidt allegedly threatened to blow up the church on April 23, too, the report said.
After identifying Schmidt as a possible suspect, investigators interviewed her Jan. 27 at her home. She allegedly said she sent the text message to the employee, the probable-cause statement said.