Black Science Student Will Not Be Prosecuted
Kiera Wilmot's science project got her in more trouble than she could have imagined. After causing a small explosion, the Florida teen was suspended from school and was facing expulsion and criminal charges.
Thankfully, on Wednesday afternoon, the state attorney's office said the 16-year-old will not be prosecuted. The Orlando Sentinel reports:
Her case drew national attention and outrage on Twitter and other social media sites, with many arguing both school and police overreacted. An online petition on her behalf has more than 195,000 signatures.
The State Attorney said that it extended "an offer of diversion of prosecution to the child," typically a probationary program that allows the youngster to perform community service and avoid a criminal record. Kiera and her guardian signed the agreement, it said.
"The pending case has been dismissed. No formal charges will be filed," read a statement by State Attorney Jerry Hill's office, which includes Polk County.
Read more here.
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(Photo: WTSP)