Debra Lynn Thorson of Rosebud was charged April 6 with two felony E counts of first degree harassment stemming from a July 20, 2025, encounter with the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO).

Thorson faces these charges due to allegations of making derogatory and defamatory statements about an area restaurant to customers, discouraging them from patronizing the business, according to the probable cause statement.

The reporting party — an employee of the unnamed business — described a pattern of hostile behavior over several months including Thorson allegedly yelling verbal insults directed at them and the co-owner.

Thorson reportedly admitted intentionally communicating negative information about the food’s safety and taste to customers as well as persistently discouraging customers, but denied any confrontation with employees of the business.

The GCSO officer noted “inconsistencies” with Thorson’s statements both on scene and after speaking with witnesses, reporting the statements caused substantial emotional distress to employees, victims and customers.

A summons was requested on the matter with arraignment scheduled for today (Wednesday, April 15), followed by a change of venue request submitted by the defendant’s attorney on April 8 and a motion for discovery filed by the state on Monday, April 13.