Dear Judge Ruth, {lam not writing this letter to ask for mercy, empathy or understanding. To be honest, I didn’t want to write this letter at all. | have been so incredibly humbled by this ordeal that | do not feel right about asking for anything, My guilt consumes me daily as | watch how one poor decision continues to chip away at my undeserving family. I've been told you are a fair and reasonable judge. Therefore. | am prepared for whatever justice you deem appropriate. Instead Judge Ruth, | would like to share with you the consequences of MY mistake and how it has affected my family, and in particular, my three children who are 7, 11 and 16. ‘There was much that lead to my actions on that fateful day. | tell you this not to elicit sympathy or to aver dramatize, but to paint a picture of what my actions have caused my family to endure. Prior to this “incident” as we refer to it in my household, my family had been through one traumatic event after another. Since moving from Colorado in 2014, we were involved in a boating accident that nearly cost us our lives. The boat completely capsized during a violent storm and we literally washed ashore on Cumberland Island. Thankfully, my daughter who was just 18 months at the time, was wearing a life vest or she would have surely drowned. There were other young family members aboard our boat as well. We lost the boat and everything on it but we did not lose each fother. While still reeling from that event, we suffered a house fire caused by damage to the chimney during Hurricane Matthew. We were very fortunate that the fire started while | was away from the home picking my children from school. However, when we returned, the house was ablaze. Most of ourbelongings were ruined and the home was uninhabitable. We were forced to move from one temporary home to another while we awaited the building of our new home. Over the course of eighteen months, we moved no less than thirteen times from one small, furnished unit to another since we lost our furnishings and other necessities in the fire. This type of chaos and upheaval greatly affects young children. They needed structure and routine and we struggled to offer them any type of normalcy during that time. In addition to these three major, lfe altering events, there were humerous related and unrelated hardships that fell upon us physically financially and emotionally. 1 do not want to burden you with those details, but those details gravely impacted our family. (On the day of the “incident”, my 6-year-old daughter, Quinn, and her 11-year-old brother, Rhett, accompanied me toPier1. My daughter was alarmed when she noticed a stranger recording the 3 of us with her phone. ‘Admittedly, | was immediately infuriated and demanded this customer to stop filming my kids. In the heat of the ‘moment, | over reacted in an over protective manner which ultimately led to my retaliation on this stranger, the Victim, And that highly regrettable, split second, knee jerk reaction has cost my family dearly. Though the incident occurred over 8 months ago, my children continue to suffer indignities caused by my mistake. They are embarrassed, chastised and mocked by both their peers as well as adults. Each of my three children have lost nearly every friend they had. The parents would no longer permit their children to associate with mine. Undoubtedly, this was as a result oftheir seeing the video or hearing about it It is heartbreaking to see my young daughter struggle with the loss of her friends and her limited understanding of why she can no longer play with them. My other two children have more insight into their loss, so there is no need for constant explanation. In the past few months, my children collectively decided they would no longer divulge their last name to anyone new they may meet. This decision came to fruition after multiple aceasions in which a parent, teacher or peer would connect the dots that ultimately led back to their ties to “that woman” in the video. My children no longer engage in any type of team sports or atherwise just to avoid meeting anyone new. But a couple of months ago, a new family moved into our neighborhood and a boy the same age as my middle child pursued a friendship with him. My son was very reluctant to befriend him given his past experiences, But | encouraged him anyway and eventually he gave in and they became fast friends. For several weeks, my son was happy and almost carefree again. They spent every weekend together, they had sleepovers, built forts and just had fun being boys. My husband and | were hopeful. But then it stopped. The boy stopped coming aver. My son was heartbroken once again.My eldest son was just starting high school when the social media frenzy was atits peak. There were thousands of posts, pages and links being spread, tweeted and shared all throughout our small town. And in the midst of itll, ‘my son had to start high school, and brand-new school where he knew no one and had no friends. Its difficult enough to be an adolescent and starting high school as the new kid, But to do so during this tumultuous time and under the microscope of a small town made it nearly unbearable for my son who was already an introvert. Like any normal 15-year-old, he just wanted to fitin and be accepted, Instead, he was shunned. His classmates would boldly ask him, and purposefully in the midst of a small crow, if his mother was “that lady” in the video. It was like he was the son of the woman who wore the scarlet letter. And although he tries to hide his emotions from me to avoid adding to my guilt, | know that my son is broken because a mother always knows when her children are hurting. My sonis very lonely. The few longtime friends he had at the small private school he attended during elementary and middle schoo! have been forbidden to continue their friendship with him. This was after another classmate distributed the video throughout the entire academy. It was sent to every teacher, every student, every parent and the entire office staff. And those two longtime friends he had decided to add salt to the wound by removing him from the group chat he and his classmates had been part of for the S years they were in private school together. My son is trying to cope. But it would be a lie to say that he has not been permanently damaged by all of this unwanted and unwarranted attention, He has surely suffered the most of my 3 children. We are currently involved in counseling. Additionally, we are trying to enroll my son in a Jacksonville high school in hopes he might walk those hallways without staring at the ground. ‘The lives of my kids have been drastically altered and itis especially evident in our very small, gated community in Which everyone knows everyone. Ours was “that” house where all the neighborhood kids would gather to play, ‘meet up and just hang out. l remember looking out the window one day and counting thirteen children playing in our yard. But now, thereare only two children and both belong to me. | used tobe “that” mom. Iwas the nucleus of all the other moms. I was the one who intraduced this mom to that mom, the one who planned the neighborhood gatherings, the one that pulled everyone together at the community pool, or for a barbeque. | think my kids enjoyed being the kids of “that mom”. But as soon as | went from “that mom” to “that woman”, that semi-idyllic life came toa screeching halt for my kids. Fortunately, there is one family that has allowed our children to maintain a friendship with their children. And for that we are incredibly grateful. But my kids have been devastated by oss of their friends and the life they once had. They used to ride their bikes around the neighborhood with their friends. Now they watch those same kids ride around without them. They used to go to ‘our community pool with their friends. Now they are not invited. Their weekends used to be filed with sleepovers, birthday parties, outings etc. Now their weekends are spent indoors and in the company of thelr electronic devices and virtual friends. My younger son asked me just the other day if| would getin touch with the mother of one of his old friends. He said, "Mommy, lam sure she isn’t mad at you anymore.” But | couldn’t reach out to her. I knew what her answer Would be. There was no forgiveness. No forgetting. She had not changed her mind. And just yesterday, my sweet daughter asked if| would write a note to the mother of her new best friend. She asked me to try and set up a playdate for her. Reluctantly, | wrote the letter. | did not sign it with my last name. lam hopeful for my daughter. ‘There isa chance that her new friend’s mother doesn’t knaw about me. Or maybe she does and she doesn't care, or doesn’t judge. Maybe. am aware that my shame and regret will follow me the rest of my life. We often run into people we have known inthe past and because this is such a small town, ths isa frequent occurrence. | watch as my kids lower their heads and turn in the opposite direction so they won't be recognized or approached. And | know exactly what they are feeling. | do the same thing. I've avoided teachers they have had in the past as well a their current teachers. | avoid old friends, parents of my kid's friends, their coaches, our doctors, our veterinarian, our realtors, hairstylists, people we hired for various reasons, and the list goes on and on. As a family, we collectively avoid anyone we recognize for fear that they “might know”. We no longer patronize the locally owned stores and. restaurants where people knew us. We no longer socialize with anyone except for a handful of friends from ourchurch, who thankfully chose not to judge us (me). We no longer take family bike rides around the neighborhood. We no longer wave at neighbors passing by. We no longer make small talk with anyone while working in our yard. Itis clear that the majority of our neighbors no longer wish to associate with us on even the smallest of levels, | frequently tell my children that although gossip spreads lke a wild fire on a windy day, eventually it will subside. But the truth is, | don’t actually believe the reassurance | am trying to provide. My kids are diligent in trying to hide it, but the bottom line is they are ashamed and embarrassed of me. The reality is that my family has been permanently scarred. Although that scar made fade overtime, it will never completely disappear. My kids should not have to pay the price for my mistake. I can overcome the ostracization. Ideserve it. My children do not, And although lam able to rationalize and even reconcile all ofthis. My children cannot. They have been greatly affected by the thousands of text messages, emails, phone calls, postings, threats and even hand delivered letters. How could they not? They lve in the same house with the person to whom all of this venom is directed. Itsettles like dust around our home. You can't really see it, but you know itis there. And itis unreasonable and unrealistic to think they wouldn't be permanently damaged. They are children. They see, they hear and they witness EVERYTHING. And they just want itto stop. Judge Ruth, | could continue to provide you with so many more details and incidents surrounding my family as well a the magnitude and depth of the ongoing backlash that my mistake has caused my entire family to endure. And ithas been wider and farther reaching than any of us could have imagined. It has crept into crevice of our lives. My children, my husband, my 83-year-old mother, my siblings, members of my extended family, friends from high school, my husband's co-workers, my tenants who rent property from me and so many others who have been tainted, harassed, threatened and shamed. Many of them don’t even live in the state of Florida or even the United States. | realize this may all sound like a bad movie script. | assure you, | never thought I would be playing the starring role ina social media feeding frenzy. | was (I am) a very private person. | have never had an appetite for social media. The only purpose it ever served in my life was to upload photos of my kids to share with family and friends, The full intention of my letter, Judge Ruth, is to provide you with a very small glimpse into the lives of my family. And what | have shared in this letter is really just the tip of the iceberg. And though its still very raw and surreal, what | have shared has sadly become our reality and | don’t want be the cause of any more of their grief and strife. My mistake will continue to affect my family in some shape or form for the rest of our lives. | often wonder what it would be like if every one of us, as the flawed human beings we are, had their worst moments reduced to a short video forall the world to see and judge. Respectfully, Debra Hunter‘yarns Capture 47. PNG Good News vile human!! You are trending on twitter again. Everyone is hash tagging vrbo and air b&b about why they are allowing a biological terrorist to use their lf you reply, Melanie Stewart will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when | Gy platform. | i | I S you'v acl messages. | don't want to hear from Melanie Stewart id & D | hitpssimai.google.comnalluO/tinboxEMfog>aKHHlgnFtbvhMVjétPKpToWFMX(projector=1&messagePartid=0.25 ®@ 1waroet Capture 48, PNG. Just heard from VRBO that you've been removed from | the platform! Onto ee Air B&B @ If you reply, Melanie Stewart will also be able to call | you and see info like your Active Status and when | you've read messages. | don't want to hear from Melanie Stewart ‘a © @ bs © i ntpssimal.googie.commailUO/#inbex/EMfgxwkkHlanFbvhMjgIPKpToWFMXt?projector=1&messagePartld-0.25 "uaraey Ccapture2 PNG 0:47 P | know who you are. You are a disgusting Kill yourself | don't want to hear from Lee Utterback Aa SSS ftps imal. google.com/msilwotinbox FMifcgxKkHlanFovhlelPKpTrIWEMXt?projector=t&messagePartld=0.33 "war2021 ‘Scallywag and Vagabond - Posts | Facebook 0 = Scott Griffin You are a rotten scumbag Debra! | hope Karma gets you good! Like Reply 2200 ‘Aaron Darr Her email address is [email protected] and her lf Sprint Spectrum cellphone number is (720) 233-1199. e OTHER POSES reply -21w oe Scallywag and Vagabond w ster based in Australia. 12h a "He's a good kid’ Bedford Stuyvesant machete attack: Dayquan Dubose Brooklyn man, 22, kills grandfather, slashes 4 year old sister & other relative, Attack occurred at 300 Putnam Avenue. =. PRONOUNCED HIM DEAD. me Pads cae A Pe ret ee mee eee me ene Ne aie area lei g WAGANDVAGABCND COM | SY SCALLYIVAG AND VA Dayquan Dubose arrested Bedford Stuyvesant machete attack Ro Write a com Qe Scallywag and Vagabond Poster based 3 Independent & adventurous: Raistin Ruther, Riverhead, NY missing 18 hips tw facebook con scalwagandvagabondpostemosthaled-onthe-htemet debra-eccie-huner-o-femandna. 1chfimed-cougtV101574.... 6110u4i2024 (Capture PNG & Joseph DeCuire v —- xX If you reply, Joseph DeCuire will also be able to call you and see inf your Active Status and when you've read messages. | don't want to hear from Joseph DeCuire la & @ h © ‘ntps:mall google comimailul.Winbox/FMfegxwk kHignFfovhMjefPKDTHWFMXt?projector=1émessagePartid-0.33 "suarz024 Capture PNG P Michael Audette v — Stupid ugly Za D Audette will also be able to call Active Status and when e read messages. yo you'v | don't want to hear from Michael Audette Aa !tips:itmall google. com/mailurtinboxFMfogxWKkHIqnFIbvnMAlPX pTAWFNIXI?projector=1amessagaParld=0.38 wnsuavenes ‘Capturet2 PNG € 2 Tonya Haynes v —- xX ) c ¢ ' 12/20, 5:03 PM | hope someone coughs DIRECTLY into | the faces of all your | children you disgusting i i bitch D tt 2 If you reply, Tonya Haynes will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when I you've read messages. | don't want to hear from Tonya Haynes law ak © ib ‘ntps:mall google.com/mavwvO/tinbox FM fogxwKiHlgnFovhMjclPKpTrWFMIXI?prejecor=1&mossagaPartid=0.38 ”svarz02 Capture 40.PNG. You're the woman that cost on that poor lady in Pier One you are one nasty kunt you give people from New Jersey a very horrible name go back to New Jersey and get out of Florida I'm sure your family is so | @ proud of you e-; | leva i I llalsobe able ive Status and sages. u reply, Becky op Purinton wi you and s: whe n you've rea | don't want to hear from Becky Bishop Purinton ‘@ @ @ bs © it hilpsiai google comfmailuOf¥inbox/F MfegeakilgnF ovis PKpTHWEMIX!?projector=1&messagePartidn0 25syarno2t Capture 41. PNS poe 8 Despicable, vile skank. | hope your whole family gets covid and suffers immensely, then dies. Se if you reply, and see info | read messages | don't want to hear from Trevor Cole ld @ GBD ba ® htps:/mai google com/mallu/itinboxF feprkklgnFveidfPKpToWFMXtprojector=1&messagoPartid=0.25 & vill be able to call you your Active Status and when you've i n‘ware021 Capture 42.PNG © Jamie Potter v —- X jamie votter Lives in London, United Kingdom resenemead Just watched a disgusting video about you online. Your children should be ashamed to have such a disgraceful, pathetic, braindead retard as a mother. Eadyou. © a if you reply, Jamie Potter will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages. aerEEE SS a | don't want to hear from Jamie Potter lid @ GD | ® ih hntpexmallgoogle.comimalluOivinbox/F MegxwkkHlanFovhMiaIPKpTAWFMXIprojeclor=t&messagePartid-0.25 ansvaraazs Capture 43 PNG r re ~ | oe Bonnie Smith ~ a —- xX ] Bonnie Smith Studied at University of Colorado Denver {iT | @ Ugly piece of shit @; | ' i if you reply, Bonnie Smith will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read me | don't want to hear from Bonnie Smith ‘la @ @ he © iw -nps:i/mall google. com/mallwOrinboxFMfcgxwKkHignFfovhMjefPKoTIWEMI?projector= 18messagePartld=0.25 wnsarz0zs Capture 46.PNG _— @ Jason Elliott v You're a hog from Hell. Only people who ard EE cough on | @ people! e tt will also be able to y Active Status and w ' read mes | don't want to hear from Jason Elliott id @ @ | © tps small google.com/mailwOinbox FMfcgxwkckHlqnFovhMjafPK pTAWFMXt?projector=1&messagePartld=0.25 wnsre Capture 19 PNG fxg AC Uhrick v —- X 8/7/20, 12:35 AM Dumb whore. Hope you die of CoV-12. as Stupid whore 6 If you reply, AC Uhrick will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages. | don't want to hear from AC Uhrick | GG fa © i !ntps:mall google com/mailu.¥inbouFMlegxvkkHlanFfovhisjatPKpTAWEMXI?projector=1&messagePartld-0.1 "svarz021 Copture 22. PNG Va) Meaghan Lynne v If that was me, you'd “ be on the ground in one second. You are Americas problem. You are aay nut job white trash i bitch. © be able to call atus and when | don't want to hear from Meaghan Lynne Aa ipssimail google com/malluiinbouFbAfegawKkHignFbvNUjsIPKpTAWFMXI?pcojector=1&messagePadtse0.1 “swerao2s Capture 24. PNG ad Mike McDonald ~ —- x Mike McDonald Lives in North Tewksbury, Massachusetts _ | hope they crucify you ed ya nasty twat a If you reply, Mike McDonald will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages. | don't want to hear from Mike McDonald e @ kh © w& hitpsimailgoogle-com/maiu0itinbox/F MfcoxwKktlqaFfovhMjdfPKpTWEMXMprojetor= &messagePartld=0.1 a"suavaoes Capture 26.PNG a Carrie Lynn v —- x what a piece of shit you are. | hope you are charged to the fullest extent of the law for coughing on a woman that is a cancer patient. You are a disgusting human being!! | sure hope your children don't take any notes from you and don't grow up to bea If you reply, Carrie Lynn will also be able to call you see info like your Ac and when you've read messages. | don't want to hear from Carrie Lynn fa & @ h ® w& !nips:tmail google.com/msilwOtinboxF MfcgrKkHlqnFfovhMsfPKBTAWEMIX!7prejector= 1&messageParise0.1 "sarz021 Capture 27. PNG Doug Davis — xX Doug Davis Lives in Saint Augustine, Florida Works at Dad Studied MSN-FNP at Georgetown University RNS RRR ® 37 PM: Wow your dumb ass should still be in prison. Piece of shit @ if you reply, Doug Davis will also be able to call you and see info like your Active Status and when you've read messages. | don't want to hear from Doug Davis je @ bs © we tps mail google. comma /OHinbowERogxwikk Hig ovhtsPKpTAWEMXtprojector='8messagePartid=0.1 "suarzors Capture 35. PNG Brandon Armen... v —- a | Hey fuck you for coughing on someone you racist white bitch’ | hope you get fired from your day job! How dare you cough on someone who has a brain tumor! You are a piece of human shit! ndon Armen will also be able to nd see info like Active Status and when you've read messages | don't want to hear from Brandon Armendariz ld @ D ba @ it hips:imallgoogle.commailwtinbox/tsegxkkHlanFfbvhiafPKBTAWEMXY?projector=1&messagoParid-0.1 ”‘yareozs Capture 28.PNC | aap Catherine Louise v - x som You're a horrible erson. Shame on you. ae y o will also be able to call ve Status and when messages | don't want to hear from Catherine Louise ‘la @ G bs © wh |nip:mai google com/mailu/Oitinbox!FMlegricMignFfovhigetPpTHWVENXMprojector=&messagePatisa0,25 " If you reply, Catherine Louis you and see info like y you've your Acti ! i i j I Sessz02t Capture 39.PNG Jeff Ybarbo Lives in San Antonio, Texas international Claims at USAA | can't wait until the 19th. How about you lol. | hope they nail your sorry ass to the wall. Heres wishing you bad karma Debra! tl ®~ if you and see info like your Active Status read messages. | don't want to hear from Jeff Ybarbo a @ GD ha S w ‘nipsvimal.gaogle com/mallivotinbox MfegawickHIgnFPovhiNaIPK pTAWEMXI projectors 1&messagePals=0.25 ly, Jeff Ybarbo will also be able to call you nd when you've maim eR ESSN RED "Original Message~ From: Lee Utterback To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, Dac 18, 2020 10:54 pm ‘Subject: Please Read Kil yourself white tras‘warzo2 wv # stoble And shes a #0V1%/07 O2 ns Os Deb K Great point ° u 9 & Leigh Herr @leighher Jun 26,2020 Replying to @rravssiers There's a special place in hel for this wera, O38 as Ow a Traci @vacilaw Jun 26,2020 - Hopeuly soon ° a On o Jennifer Tower @jtower3653 Jun 26,2020 ~ Replying to @rrovisakers wit ° a or o Nancy Milgate @nancyrigate sun 26,2020 os Replying to @rravisakers Why is itabways people in Fla. and Texas that act so awl? Os as Os a Karen Dickinson @koren0828 - Jun 26, 2020 we ‘he humidity makes us cranky. And eran. Thread not your mommy @toot sweet yall Jun 26,2020 Replying to @rravsakers What in te world is wrong with people ° B 9 & ‘Mandy Hale @ @issMandyHale un 26,2020, Replying to @travsakers Here's her @rbo cabin fr rental vido com’16480187unit Hey e:tbo how about baaning this homble human fam using your site? Ely, GA Vacation Rental: cabin rentals & more |r. Explore an array of Elijay. GA vacation rentals, including cabins, houses & more bookable online Evedocom on th 190 Ose a Gaston Olvera @GastonOWvera Jun 26 2020 ~ Boom! or ue on 2 Show reptes M.Dan Holic @/acobsizle2- Jun 26,2020 ~ Replying ta curaisacers Her daughter would have been seeing he pick up her teth if she eid that to O« as © 205 2 hips titer convtravisakers/status!12766801618605711387Ieng=en “Travis Akers on Twitter: "A woman in this video, who has since been identified as Debra Vecchio Hunter, intentionally coughs on anather w search Twitter New to Twitter? Signup nce git yout ou geod tinea Relevant people ‘Travis Aker Donates @ Proud Dad | Feat @Newsweek / @HufPost | @USNay Mustang | Progresive Christin | Author: (@zeroPr00!365 | #Runer | BSober| (@Vilanova_Alur | He/Him is iow) What's happening Sows: fal tty Uk judge blocks US request for Julian Assange to be extradited ‘to the US for trial Tandog wih Actnge Tending in Und tats os lizzo People ae pointing out thatthe same ‘assumptions arent made when Harty Styles holds Linz hand versus when he holds Oivia Wilde's han 1494 Toone ‘Tensiagin Ute States - ‘THE ROBE Harry Styles fans te trying o Figure out if he officiated his manager's wedcing ina bathrobe alter new photos emerge online S14 Tw08s COVID-19: News and u Florida Sign up 318sare Capturet0. PN 7" : : @ Pat Burnell v -~ x You are trash & o Ifyou reply, Pat Burn and see info like y« 0 be able to call you {when you | don't want to hear from Pat Burnell lae@ ks © we 7:20 We tpsuimai google.com/malluO/tinbox/F MfegrwkignFbvNMjéIPKpTaWFMXI?projector=18messagePanidH0.38 wu CasOca It has been heavy on my heart to contact you for quite some time. | want you to know this is a private letter, it is not court mandated, it is of my own volition and choosing. Simply, itis just something | felt strongly compelled to do. The day prior to my Pier 1 visit, | prayed and asked God to give me a wakeup call in which the ramifications would impact me enough to cause me to initiate some major changes in my life. | had been very angry, resentful and bitter as a result of circumstances that had hugely impacted my family and | over the last couple of years. All that negativity just continued to build up and fester and it was taking a toll on every aspect of our lives. | knew it was going to take something drastic to get my attention because | had become so hardened and intolerant. And this was the reason for the prayer the day before our paths crossed. The incident at Pier 1 is exactly what I needed to get my spiritual life back on track and in order. So, itis with great sincerity that | not only apologize to you for my actions, but | also want to thank you. Without the severity of the consequences, fall out and collateral damage from the poor choices | made that day, | am certain | would not have made any changes at all. Instead, | am So grateful for the impact it has had on my life because it has allowed me to forgive, let go and finally move forward with a peacefulness and calm that | haven't had in many years. Sincerely, Debra HunterDALE CARSON LAW 233 Easr Bay Sraser, Sutte 1101 Date C. Canson, Esquine IncKsoNvitLe FLowpa. 32202 Kexvemt 0. Boston, Fsquter THLEPHONE: 904/385-6777 SHANNON H, PADGETT, ESQUIRE Eacsiwie: 904/355-6738 (Cumstomen Casson, EsouIRE March 5, 2021 The Honorable James Ruth County Court Judge, Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida 501 W. Adams St. Jacksonville, FL 32202 RE: State v. Debra Hunter ccn: 2020-MM-10844 Judge Ruth, This submission is in mitigation of the charge pending against Mrs. Hunter and to suggest that the people of the State of Florida would benefit from the court accepting a mitigated sentence in this case. Enclosed are letters of support from Mrs. Hunter’s friends and family. These letters attest to Mrs. Hunter’s character and value to this community. I have also included a copy of a personal letter, authored by Mrs. Hunter, which provides context for the behavior that resulted in her criminal charge and describes the aftermath which has fundamentally altered her family’s existence. Additionally, I have provided a copy of the letter of apology that my client has presented to the victim in the case. Finally, | have provided copies of a number of the emails, texts, letters, and messages that Mrs. Hunter has received from strangers as a result of her behavior being captured on video and going viral. These correspondences are intended to provide a glimpse into the vitriol and venom Mrs. Hunter has dealt with since last summer and to show extent to which this event still impacts Mrs. Hunter’s daily life. This concerted effort by these individuals has cost Mrs. Hunter her livelihood, numerous relationships, and a sense of normalcy that she has desperately been seeking. Please review these documents prior to Court, as | believe that they will assist you in understanding why we feel that a mitigated sentence is appropriate. We intend to supplement this packet with brief argument in support of our position. Please do not construe any of the information presented as an attempt to excuse or justify Mrs. Hunter’s actions in the present case. She is fully prepared to accept responsibility for her decisions, | have provided these documents for the state and secured permission prior to submitting this packet to the court. D. Christopher Carson, Esq.Tanner Jones February 4, 2021, Re: Debra Hunter ‘To: The Honorable judge Ruth Ifyou read nothing else, please read my letter. | am writing you not to defend or excuse Debra, but to offer a unique perspective and insight that few others have because | have known her my entire life. She has always been, and continues to be, a role model for myself, my children and other people in her life. Throughout my entire 34 years on this earth, she has been the first person Igo to for any support, advice or anything T might need. She was one of only two adults that! could count on throughout my childhood and still today. She has never wavered. She has provided me with career, business, personal and every other type of advice one could need, She has helped financially anytime I have asked and even when I did hot. She hired an attorney when I could notafford one when I was fighting for custody of ‘my children when their mother leftnearly a decade ago, She helped me buy my firsthome and real estate investment, The list goes on and on. And she is not just this way with me, She literally is one of those people who will give you anything, do anything or hetp with anything if you justask her. Tassure this is not ust lip service. People who know her affectionately refer to her as “The Fixer’. And she is, Because I have never witnessed a Situation where the people around her haven'tbeen able to go to her for resolution, advice, ‘moral support, financial help and so much more. | don't want to make it sound like she isa fairy godmother, but everyone should be blessed to have someone like her in their lives. Debra and her family moved back to Florida about five years ago to build their dream home and be closer to aging family members. She and her husband had been working their entire adult lives to get to this chapter. They are blue collar people who sacrificed and worked tirelessly throughout their 20's, 30's and 40's. And it was all to get them to this momentous. chapter where their sacrifices would finally pay off. And again, this is not lip service. When I say they sacrificed and worked tirelessly through those decades, they truly did, Ihave never seen a work ethic or determination like theirs. But unfortunately, that pay off never came, And due to the need for brevity, I can only touch on the countless hardships they've hhad to endure over the last five years. It seems like a disservice to not be able to share all of ivand fully know what they've been through as a family. While trying to raise their young children and build the dream home they relentlessly worked towardsall those years, they were abruptly interrupted and uprooted due to a house fire which resulted in their having to move from one place to another so frequently that [lost count after 10. Meanwhile, the construction of their dream home, which was project to take no more than 18 months to build, was delayed by so many setbacks that again, lost count. To mention just a few, there were back-to-back hurricanes that caused considerable damage and delays. There were monumental and colossal errors made by the builder, the architect and so many of the contractors. They were left with no option other than to obtain many different types of attorneys. They won each and every lawsuit but not ‘one of the judgements resulted in 1 cent of compensation of any kind. Additionally, they‘were subjected to relentless battles, obstacles and full-on harassment from their Home Owners Association. Again, more setback, more delays and more attorneys. Those of us on the sidelines could hardly believe what was being done to them and with no recourse. ‘There were so many mistakes made, so many ruthless and inept contractors, the Hunters resorted to doing the work themselves so they could get their family moved into their home and offer their children some stability. To this day, their home is still vastly incomplete and to this day, they have recovered nothing from any of the judgements they have been awarded. Perhaps this synopsis doesn't seem like much ofa hardship to some. But | was there for all of it. I watched this never-ending pracess bring them to the brink time after time. But they never broke. And {say this with no exaggeration, the hits continued to come and there wasn'ta time in these last 5 years that this family every saw relief or resolve. As much as { wanted them to stick it out and stay in Florida, there was part of me that just wanted them to throw in the towel, move back to Colorado and find some normaley and, peace, Within this same timeframe, Debra's mother battled cancer for the sixth time and was also diagnosed with dementia, Her father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s within just a few weeks of her mother's diagnosis. And I promise you, the list does go on and on. Finally, several months into 2020, the stress became insurmountable for Debra and her family. I personally believe this was the breaking point that led to the altercation at Pier 1 Imports. After the incident went viral, Debra, her husband, and most unfortunately, their children, were subjected to hatefilness and contempt that I didn’t know existed or certainly never saw witness first hand. Ihave read thousands of vulgar and disgusting comments and threats in emails, letters, ext messages, and public webpages and boards dedicated to destroying any part oftheir lives they were able to infiltrate. And infiltrate they did. They posted threats, vile comments and even carefully designed campaigns to ruin them financially, socially and even legally by claiming she was an unfit and abusive mother. They have paid a huge price, and not just financially, based on some of these schemes and falsified claims. I heard so many voicemails of extreme harassment, and people threatening, harm and even death to her. Strangers fromalll over the world, Not just our city or state or country, but from other countries. Over and over and in droves, constant scrutiny and, judgment was inflicted. So much of it was about what a disgusting woman she was, that she ‘was not worthy of life, and that her children should be removed from her care. ‘There was nota single sliver of their lives that were left unaffected. They lost friends, they lost their reputations, they lost safety and security, they lost money and most ofall, they lost hope that their children would ever have any sense of normalcy living here. That video was heavily edited and did not show the entire story. Ithas been literally been viewed tens of millions of times the last time I checked. This has been beyond devastation for Debra and her family. They are unable to escape ridicule in their community, in the stores, in the schools and in their own neighborhood. I cannot find the words to describe what [have seen, And the shame, well that is also indescribable. The weight, the responsibility, the effect this has left on Debra has also left me without words. I kept ‘waiting for all ofthis to completely and finally take her under. I Iew that | was watching. her crumble right before me and I was certain there would be no coming back from it. And | ‘was right. But not in the way I thought would be. Debra didn’t fight back. She didn't retaliate, or defend or minimize. Instead, she fully leaned into this moment to face what could be changed within herself. [have never witnessed grace like this and | am notareligious individual at all. The weight of the last five years changed Debra into someone she wasn't. And watching that decline was awful for those of us that care about her. But this experience, this public mistake that she made and owned, has resulted in sueh a positive change that | have never, in my entire 34 years of knowing her, seen her more devoted to growing in self-awareness, humility, forgiveness and kindness. Your Honor, this letter can't and won't be express the complex events and lives this family has seen. Please know that Debra and her family have suffered immense consequences, And regardless of your ruling, they will continue to pay for this, in so many ways, and for such a Jong time. Sincerely yours, ‘Tanner JonesDear Judge Ruth, I'm writing this letter to you in hopes you will reconsider further consequences for Debra’s actions. When I first heard about the incident at Pier 1 Imports and saw the video | was not surprised she reacted in this way. At the time she had reached the end of herself and although | saw shining qualities in Debra such as her loyalty, generosity, and work ethic, | knew it was only a matter of time before something happened. She had reached a level of negativity and drama that would be characterized as toxic. I've known Debra for about 3 years now. We live in the same neighborhood and our kids are over at each other's houses frequently. We started taking her daughter to church with us and oftentimes | would pray for Debra and that their family would start attending. | knew that she had grief and hardships going on in her life and the stress was almost palpable. After the incident Debra was deeply regretful, embarrassed, and tearful. She didn’t once deny that what she had done was wrong. In fact she wrote a letter to all her close friends and kids friends letting them know she shouldn't have reacted that way, and that if she could take it back she would. Since then this video has gone viral. She has received death threats and been rejected by friends. Her video is circulating and continues to do so with millions of views all across the U.S. This circulating video, the mail and phone calls by complete strangers harassing her, the trickling down effect it has had on her husband and her kids, the fear she has in her own community that people will have seen it is a heavy load to bare. Debra spent an entire day in jail as a result of this, | believe at that time she had hit rock bottom. As hard as that day was for her, it was absolutely necessary. I cannot convince you of anything, but I can attest that Debra came home humbled. She was afraid, reflective, and prayerful that day. The next time that we spoke | could see that God had done a work in her heart. To see her not retaliate, to see her actually write a letter to this woman she had coughed on was a miracle in and of itself. Something had transformed in her. Shortly after this, their entire family started coming to church. Debra is actually in my women’s bible study which is something she has never done before. For those of us who know Debra, she is extremely loyal and giving. She is that friend who would come over at a moments notice if you were ever in trouble or needed consolation. Debra has been a gift to have in my life and | believe God has done something beautiful as a result of this, and for that I'm very thankful. I'm watching this woman who was toxic and under a heap of stress, by Gods grace find joy and peace in a circumstance where she may very well be going to jail implore you to not give further punishment to what she has already suffered and will continue io suffer because of this video made public. For the sake of her children, who have also been affected by this, further jail time as punishment does not fit this crime. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Amanda VadayFebruary 2, 2021 Dear Judge Ruth, My name is Tarry Rogers. | am currently retired after having spent many years as a social worker in Georgia. | have worked with the Juvenile court, DFCS and served on the state level with a non profit organization called "The Family Connection”. am writing this letter to share with you the woman | have come to know over the last 5 years. Debra lives just down the street from me and we began a friendship while walking my dog past her house each day. Her children have become like grandchildren to me over the years. They visit with me and sometimes help with various chores when needed. Debra is a hard worker and an established business woman in her community. But she has attributes as well. When the pandemic began, she reached out to elderly neighbors to deliver groceries when needed. She also befriended a neighbor who was in the midst of a divorce. She offered her help with her children when needed while she was go through that difficult process. These are just a couple of Debra's qualities I felt worth mentioning to you. I would also like to share with you the recommitting of her life to God. She attends church each Sunday with her family, belongs to a weekly women's Bible study and is also part of a weekly family fellowship group through her church. | also thought it worth mentioning that Debra has sought counseling for a number of years. She continues to do so in an effort to work through the personal grief, trauma and adversity she has endured since moving to Florida five years ago. It is quite apparent to those of us who know Debra personally that she is deeply remorseful about her actions on that particular day and even chose to send the woman alletter of apology. And though the letter was unsolicited, Debra felt it was important to ask her for forgiveness. But more importantly, she sought forgiveness from God and He has done just that. However, Judge Ruth, the negative impact on Debra's life, as well as the collateral damage suffered by her husband and children, has been tremendous and difficult to witness by those who care about her. But despite the negative attention and notoriety, as well as the social, financial and emotional ramifications, Debra, through the grace of God, has maintained a radiance of joy and peace that is evident to those of us who know her. Judge Ruth, Debra willingly pleaded guilty to the charges and she just wants to continue moving forward in a positive direction. | am simply asking that you view her in a different context as opposed to those regretful moments in which someone happened to document and consequently share her mistake with millions. That short and regretful 15 second video has been viewed over 78 million times by strangers who continue to condemn and judge her publicly and daily. | am asking you, Judge Ruth, that in the moment you go about serving justice to Debra, please try to empathize with how difficult it must be for her to attempt to move forward each new day though the relentless court of public opinion will neither forgive nor forget. Respecttully, Tarty RogersRedaction Log ‘Total Number of Redactions in Document: 11 Redaction Reasons by Page Redaction Date: 3/24/2021 7:32:57 AM Page Reason Description ‘Occurrences Obscene Material This office does not transfer oF transmit obscene material pursuant to Chapter 847, Florida Statutes " This office does not release sensitive or graphic records without requestor’s approval pursuant to the Olfice’s Public cency Policy, available on our website Obscene Material This office doesnot transfer of transmit obscene material pursuant to Chapter 847, Florida Statutes P This office does not release sensitive or graphic records without requestor’s approval pursuant to the Office's Public Decency Policy, available on our website 1B (Obscene Material This office does not transfer or transmit obscene material pursuant to Chapter 847, Florida Statutes This office does not release sensitive or graphic records without requestor’s approval pursuant to the Oifice’s Public cency Policy, available on our website Obscene Material This office does not transfer or transmit obscene material pursuant to Chapter 847, Florida Statutes, This office does not release sensitive or graphic records without requestor’s approval pursuant to the Otfice’s Public cency Policy, available on our website 16 Obscene Material This office does not transfer or transmit gbscene material pursuant to Chapter 847, Florida Statutes, This office does not release sensitive or graphic records without requestor’s approval pursuant to the Office's Public Decency Policy, available on our website v7 Obscene Material This office does not transfer or transmit obscene material pursuant to Chapter 847, Florida Statutes This office does not release sensitive or graphic records without requestor’s Spproval pursuant to the Olfice's Public cency Policy, available on our website 24 (Obscene Material This office does not transfer or transmit obscene material pursuant to Chapter 847, Florida Statutes This office does not release sensitive or graphic records without requestor’s, approval pursuant to the Office's Public ceency Policy, available on our website. Redaction Date: 3/24/2021 7:3257 AM Redaction Log Page | Reason Description ‘Occurrences The public records provision of "Marsy’s| Law" has been invoked by the victim in this case, Please refer to Article Section | 16, Florida Constitution - "Rights of Accused and of Victims” for more information. 7 Marsys LawRedaction Date: 3/24/2021 7:32:57 AM Redaction Log Redaction Reasons by Exemption it Pages Reason Description rao The public records provision of "Marsy's Law" has been invoked by the victim in this} 971) Marsys Law tos, Plcwcenier Arle seston 15 | 2200) Florida Constitution - "Rights of Accused and of Victims" for more information This office does not transfer or transmit | 617} gbscenemateril pursuant toChapler 47, | $M), lorida Statutes 3 Obscene Mati Thialtice doesnot release sense or | 15) mph sass wiontregrcrs 1a approvalparsuant ie the Olices Pubic |} cency Policy, available on our website