JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Florida woman seen in a widely viewed video deliberately coughing on a customer at a Pier 1 store amid the coronavirus pandemic was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
Debra Jo Hunter was credited with one day time served, and must also serve six months probation and attend anger management, WJAX reported.
A judge also ordered her to pay a $500 fine. Hunter also had to cover the costs of the victim’s COVID-19 test.
Hunter pleaded guilty to assault March 22.
Hunter was recorded last June coughing on another customer during an argument with employees at the store. The victim, Heather Sprague, started taking video of Hunter arguing with workers. When Hunter noticed, she made a rude gesture then walked over and coughed on her.
LIVE on @ActionNewsJax at 4: Customer deliberately coughs on woman who was recording her inside a #Jacksonville store. Woman recording says the customer was being aggressive to employees.
— Russell Colburn (@RColburnnews) June 26, 2020
"I was a little shocked to have her really kid of weaponize the threat of the virus." pic.twitter.com/mTMhOXTcyr
Sprague, who is being treated for a brain tumor, spent days searching for a location for her and her family to be tested for the coronavirus. Tests ended up being negative.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
