Back in December 2020, Miya Ponsetto went viral and became known as “Soho Karen” after falsely accusing a Black teen of stealing her cellphone. She was later charged with a felony hate crime, and now pleads guilty — but won’t serve any time in prison.
On Monday (Apr. 11), 23-year-old Ponsetto plead guilty to unlawful imprisonment in the second degree as a hate crime after she accused then-14-year-old Keyon Harrold Jr. of stealing her phone. The December 26, 2020 incident was caught on camera and showed Ponsetto verbally and physically attacking Harrold Jr. at the Arlo Soho Hotel. While Ponsetto has since admitted that she mistakenly accused Harrold Jr. of stealing her phone, she continues to deny any truth to the claim that she racially profiled him.
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Per Ponsetto’s lawyer, Paul D’Emilia, she has accepted a deal form prosecutors, where she’ll avoid prison. While entering a guilty plea, she’s agreed to “live a law-abiding life” for two years. She will also continue with therapy and follow the remaining terms of her probation while living in California. Additionally, should she be able to keep out of trouble for the next two years, Ponsetto will be able to withdraw her felonious guilty plea and re-plead to aggravate harassment in the second degree … a misdemeanor charge. However, if she gets into trouble again, she will be looking at up to four years in prison. #Socialites, thoughts?
Speaking with TMZ, Ponsetto’s attorney said, “We are pleased that today’s proceeding brought this unfortunate misunderstanding closer to a final resolution … We are appreciative of the District Attorney’s thoughtful and empathetic approach to finding an acceptable conclusion.”
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Meanwhile, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, “Ms. Ponsetto displayed outrageous behavior. As a Black man, I have personally experienced racial profiling countless times in my life and I sympathize with the young man victimized in this incident. This plea ensures appropriate accountability for Ms. Ponsetto by addressing underlying causes for her behavior and ensuring this conduct does not reoccur.”
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