A woman from Florida has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for deliberately coughing on a cancer patient during a confrontation at a Pier 1 store last summer. This shocking incident occurred just after the COVID-19 pandemic began and was captured on video. Debra Hunter’s actions resulted in significant legal repercussions, culminating in her recent sentencing.
Legal Consequences
In addition to her jail time, Hunter was ordered by a Jacksonville judge to pay a $500 fine and undergo six months of probation. She will also participate in a mental health evaluation and anger management classes, as well as cover the cost of the cancer patient’s COVID-19 test. The legal process spanned over seven months, including multiple failed attempts at plea deals.
The Confrontation
The confrontation was instigated when Hunter, becoming increasingly aggressive, approached Heather Sprague, a brain tumor patient, and stated, “I think I’ll get real close to you and cough on you. How’s that?” Sprague recorded the encounter, where Hunter displayed alarming behavior, including flipping her off and making threats. Nearby shoppers voiced their disapproval of Hunter’s actions.
Sprague, a mother of ten, explained that Hunter was unruly and verbally abusive towards store staff while trying to return an item she didn’t have. She chose not to engage with Hunter during the incident, opting instead to document the behavior. After the encounter, Sprague faced challenges in obtaining a COVID-19 test for her family, but they ultimately tested negative.
Arrest and Sentencing
Hunter was arrested in June following the viral spread of the video and initially served one day in jail. During the court hearing, Hunter’s husband cited personal hardships, including a house fire, as contributing factors to her behavior. However, Judge James Ruth expressed skepticism over Hunter’s regrets, noting that her actions had unjustly impacted Sprague and her family.
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Conclusion
In summary, a Florida woman received a 30-day jail sentence for intentionally coughing on a brain tumor patient during a confrontation at a Pier 1 store. The incident, which occurred shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began, resulted in additional penalties, including fines and mandated mental health evaluations.