NEW YORK — A woman who falsely accused a Black teenager of stealing her phone and then attacked him has pleaded guilty to a hate crime, but will not be sent to prison.
In a news release, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Miya Ponsetto was sentenced to abide by the terms of probation for a separate case in California, and must continue counseling for the December 2020 attack.
In a statement, Bragg said: “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.”
On Dec. 26, 2020, Ponsetto confronted Kenyon Harrold Jr., 14, at the Arlo Hotel when she couldn’t find her phone. Police said Ponsetto demanded to see the teenager’s phone, then grabbed Harrold when he tried to escape, as we previously reported. Harrold’s father, Kenyon Harrold Sr., recorded the incident and posted the video online.
Ponsetto’s lawyer, Paul D’Emilia, told CNN his client was grateful for the plea deal. “It is Ms. Ponsetto’s wish that Kenyon Harrold accepts her regrets and apology for her behavior that evening, and that all involved can move forward with added insight and compassion.”
Harrold’s father told The New York Times he felt Ponsetto’s apology was inadequate, saying it “minimizes the trauma that Kenyon, Jr. continues to feel.”
Harrold has filed lawsuits against Ponsetto, the hotel and its owners, and the manager at the hotel at the time, The New York Times reported.
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