By Zachary Meseck and Tyler Murphy, Evening Sun

NORWICH – A mother who was arrested for making a terroristic threat after getting into a dispute with a school staff member over her daughter being bullied, had the charges dropped in court and is now suing the Norwich City School District and City of Norwich for $5 million.

Her attorney, Douglas Drazen, said the false charges ruined his client's reputation and have made everyday a challenge.

Regina M. Donovan was previously charged with making a terroristic threat, a felony in March of 2018.

She was accused of making a terror threat while having a heated phone discussion with a school employee over her daughter being bullied. She has denied uttering the alleged remark that lead to her arrest and at the time said the incident was being blown out of proportion by the school.

Drazen said a key part of the case was an email sent from a school staff member that seemed to apologize to Donovan following the incident.

Drazen said the charges against Donovan were dropped and she is now seeking compensation for the damage the incident caused. “Fortunately Chenango County District Attorney Michael Ferrarese did what was right and dropped the charges,” he said.

“We know that it was [the DA's] decision, she appreciates that and I think he deserves credit for being a fair minded prosecutor in the regard,” said Drazen. “Now we’re hoping that the school district and the city understand they were in the wrong too.”