MIAMI – Drug charges against the South Florida woman who flipped off a Miami-Dade County judge last year were dropped Friday morning.
"It's been a long journey and I learned a lot," Penelope Soto told a courtroom filled with supporters who applauded her successful completion of a court-ordered drug rehabilitation program.
Last February, Soto who was arrested for illegal possession of Xanax, made national headlines when she flipped off Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat and muttered "F*** you," after he raised her bond from $5,000 to $10,000.
Rodriguez-Chomat responded by holding her in contempt of court and sentenced her to 30 days in jail.
A remorseful Soto apologized to the judge and was ordered to complete a drug rehabilitation program.
On Friday morning, all charges against her were dropped and the teen was congratulated for completing the court-ordered drug program with flying colors.
"She has done everything," her attorney said. "She is completing her GED, getting great grades in school. Her relationships have improved. Physically she has improved. Mentally she has improved. Everything is really on the go for her."
Soto has taken more than 100 random drug tests during the past year and has passed every one of them.