State Attorney Monique Worrell Addresses Verdict in Assault Case
ORANGE COUNTY, FL (October 7, 2026) — State Attorney Monique Worrell has announced the conviction of Steven Edwin Wiley and Cheryl Ann Pyle, who were found guilty of Assault (Evidencing Prejudice) for a July 2025 incident.
“History has shown us that verbal attacks rooted in hate and prejudice can escalate into threats, intimidation, and ultimately into physical violence,” said State Attorney Monique Worrell. “That is why these cases deserve to be taken seriously at every stage. In our office, we take these cases seriously. When crimes occur, we will get involved, and we will prosecute because people don’t have a right to place other people in fear.”
The incident happened when Antavis Johnson approached their home as a solar panel worker. The couple were seen on camera chasing him off the property and down the block while using racial slurs. Johnson said he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Even though the case is over with, this case is not just words,” said Johnson. “I still have to live with this trauma.”
Wiley and Pyle were sentenced to probation and must attend anger management courses.
“We want to thank the jury,” said Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney Shana Manuel. “They sent a clear, loud message that hate speech is not free speech. Hate speech is not protected by the constitution. Hate speech is a crime that will be prosecuted.”
###
The Office of the State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit is represented by The Honorable Monique H. Worrell and serves Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida. A culturally diverse community, the area is home to over 1.9 million residents and is a vacation destination for millions each year. Our office is committed to making Orlando and the surrounding area a vibrant and safe place to live, work and play.
For general media inquiries, please contact: PIO@sao9.org.
For media records request, please contact: mediarecordsrequest@sao9.org.
For specific media inquiries pertaining to State Attorney Monique Worrell, please contact Belal Jaber at BJaber@sao9.org and Samantha Muchard at SMuchard@sao9.org.
