LGBT journalist arrested for 'sending death threats to self'

A journalism major who's a member of the Student Senate at Ohio University made headlines when she said she received hate-filled, homophobic death threats because she's a member of the LGBT community.

Now, she's facing criminal charges for allegedly sending those threats to herself.

Anna Ayers, 21, of Ligonier, Pennsylvania, had claimed she discovered three notes in her desk drawer at the Student Senate office and at her residence.

Ayers said she found the first "hateful, harassing" note on Sept. 27, which mentioned her LGBT identity.

According to the school newspaper the Post, the Student Senate actually discussed the notes, as it was originally speculated the messages were written by a fellow member of the student government.

"Senate will never be the same for me," Ayers said, the Post reported. "The friendships will continue to grow, and our successes will always evoke pride, but the memory of my time in senate and at OU will be marred by this experience. We will all have a memory of a time when this body failed one of its own."

Ayers then turned her attention to attack the supposed writer.

"You may find me revolting and worthy of a threat on my life, but in reality, it is your beliefs that are repulsive," Ayers said. "You need to get this through your head, you f---ing a--hole: I am proud to be who I am, and nothing you could say or do will ever change that."

Ayers is also a former columnist for the Post and was on its publishing board.

In the wake of Ayers' arrest this week, Student Senate President Maddie Sloat said in a statement: "We are still processing and encouraging our members to take time to heal and utilize campus support resources right now."

"We're complying with the investigation and OUPD. We hope Anna receives the help that she needs."

According to the university's police department, making false alarms is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Ayers' arrest is already receiving some comments on social media.

"How can people like this even be trusted?! They can't," wrote Elpidia Saavedra on Facebook. "People with no moral standards and character can't be trusted and this women is [clearly] one of those people. Shame on her!"

Please see the attached statement regarding charges filed in the recent case of threats made against a member of Student Senate. Since this is a pending criminal case, the police department cannot comment further at this time. pic.twitter.com/ecXABYY5MO

— OhioUniversityPolice (@oupolice) October 8, 2018