Debra Hunter was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault in June of 2020 after the victim recorded Hunter deliberately coughing on her.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — After three hours of emotional testimony, the woman who went viral after coughing on a fellow customer at a Jacksonville Pier 1 has been sentenced to 30 days in Duval County Jail with credit for one day previously served.
In addition, the judge ordered Debra Hunter to six months probation and said she must participate in a mental health evaluation along with anger management.
Hunter herself also offered testimony, which focused on her family paying the price for her mistakes. She told the judge her children continue to lose friends, and that they don’t go out in their community anymore.
“I watch as my kids lower their heads and turn the opposite direction, so they won’t be recognized or approached,” Hunter said holding back tears. “And I know exactly what they’re feeling because I do the same thing.“
The sentence decision follows more than seven months of court hearings and three plea deal attempts, which were all struck down. Last month, the sentencing process began with Hunter’s neighbor testifying about her good character and the remorse she feels about that day.