Penelope Soto, 18, attended a status hearing where it was revealed she’s passed eight drug tests and has attended all counseling sessions following her arrest earlier this month. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeffrey Rosinek and Soto – who made national headlines for flipping the bird at another judge during her bond hearing – spoke in court Monday.
Penelope Soto, the woman who flipped off a Miami-Dade judge, made another appearance in court Monday morning.
Soto, 18, attended a status hearing where it was revealed she's passed eight drug tests and has attended all counseling sessions following her arrest earlier this month.
"Eight out of eight, that's perfect, congratulations!" Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeffrey Rosinek told Soto.
She smiled as the judge applauded her efforts and wished her continued success in the drug program.
It was a stark contrast from her first appearance, when Soto made national headlines for flipping the bird at Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat during her bond hearing, which cost her a 30-day jail sentence for contempt of court.
Video: See Woman Give Judge the Middle Finger
In a later hearing, Soto completely changed her attitude, and in tears publicly apologized for her behavior – telling the judge that she was wrong for insulting him.
Rodriguez-Chomat dropped the 30-day sentence and allowed Soto to post bond.
On Monday, Judge Rosinek ended the hearing by sending Soto off on a positive note.
"Ms. Soto, congratulations, I think lots of things have changed for you, for one, you smile now, which we didn't see before, and I wish you well in the program," he said. "Congratulations again."
Soto wouldn't answer questions in the courthouse hallway.
Penelope Soto, Woman Who Flipped Off Judge, Apologizes
Soto was charged with 26 counts of Xanax possession. It was her first criminal offense.
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She's due back in court on March 22.
