Flipper Apologizes to Judge In Court

Just days after being sentenced to 30 days in jail for contempt, Penelope Soto (aka "Flipper") finally apologized to Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat for her outrages court behavior during  her arraignment.  Soto's courtroom antics drew national attention when the video of her arraignment went viral online.  The sober and now remorseful teen also apologized to her parents who were also in court.

"My behavior was very irrational, and I apologize not only to the court and you, but to my family,” Soto told Judge Rodriguez-Chomat.

After briefly lecturing Soto about profanity usage among youth in today's culture, the judge reversed his 30-day contempt sentence and the $10,000.00 bail set at the earlier hearing. As a result, Soto was able to be released to enter into a drug rehabilitation program for first time offenders.

I hope Soto successfully completes the drug program and make better choices in her life. And I wish her well in her sobriety.

Penelope Soto Flipping the Bird to the Judge

18-year old Penelope Soto, appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit (FL) Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat on February 4th, 2013, for arraignment on several drug charges involving the possession of Xanax bars.

During the arraignment, the Public Defender proceeded to ask the giggling Soto, who seemed to be under the influence of drugs, several questions to determine if she was indigent and therefore, eligible for a court appointed attorney.

The teen stated that she earned $200 per week in income, owned a car and had a lot of jewelry.

Judge Rodriguez-Chomat immediately interjected and asked Soto how much was her jewelry worth. Soto continued laughing which prompted the judge to remind her that she was not in a club and to get serious. 

Soto told the judge that he made her laugh, and that her jewelry was worth a lot of money, like "Rick Ross." (Blank stare)

That's when things went from bad to worse for the teen defendant.

 At the end of her arraignment, Soto told the judge, "Adios."

Not to happy with Soto's behavior, Judge Rodriguez-Chomat increased her bond from $5,000 to $10,000. That's when Miss Soto told him, "To f*** yourself," and then gave him the middle finger.

In response, the judge held her in contempt and sentenced her to 30 days in jail.