HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) has arrested Stephanie Pedroso, 36, for her role in inciting a riot at Astro Skate in Brandon on May 18, 2024. Pedroso allegedly used her daughter’s social media to encourage violence after her daughter’s after-hours birthday party at the venue was canceled.
Pedroso’s husband, James Knight II, 38, was also arrested on an unrelated charge of driving with a suspended license.
According to HCSO, Pedroso violated the terms of her contract with Astro Skate by failing to secure the required off-duty deputies for the party. The cancellation led Pedroso to take to social media, making a live video on her daughter’s Instagram account, encouraging followers to show up and “tear the place up.”
Related: 23 Juveniles 6 Adults Arrested In Violent Riot After Party Canceled At Astro Skate In Brandon
In the video, Pedroso allegedly made numerous violent and vulgar statements, including racial slurs, and offered money to those who would participate in the violence. The comments in response to her live video indicated that many people planned to follow through with her suggestions.
The resulting chaos involved approximately 500 people, leading to one injury, damage to five local businesses, and the arrest of 26 individuals.
“Using social media to weaponize our youth is absolutely deplorable,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “As a parent, I cannot fathom what went through this woman’s mind when she put lives at risk to provoke this mayhem.”
Sheriff Chronister emphasized the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of inciting violence, particularly through social media platforms.
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“I want to be clear: using social media to encourage people to riot and destroy businesses is completely unacceptable, and we will not tolerate that here in Hillsborough County,” said Sheriff Chronister. “This serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control and show the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of inciting violence.”
Pedroso faces charges of inciting a riot, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and driving with a suspended license. The HCSO continues to investigate the incident and further arrests may be forthcoming.
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