Orlando Pair Receives Probation After Viral Incident Involving Hate Speech

An Orlando couple, Steven Wiley and Cheryl Pyle, has been sentenced to probation following a conviction related to an incident where they shouted racial slurs and chased a door-to-door solar salesman. According to the 9th Judicial Circuit’s State Attorney’s Office, Antavis Johnson reported feeling threatened when the couple confronted him while he was working in their neighborhood.

During an interview with FOX 35, Johnson expressed that he feared for his life and continues to cope with the psychological aftermath, including PTSD and anxiety. Prosecutors had sought jail time for the assault; however, the presiding judge opted for probation. Johnson conveyed that he does not feel secure with Wiley and Pyle free, emphasizing his ongoing trauma. The couple attempted to defend their actions as free speech, but State Attorney Monique Worrell clarified that their aggressive behavior exceeded protected speech, categorizing it as hate speech and a criminal act.