traffic-stop · Lake Worth Beach, Florida

What happened after a woman was ticketed for holding a phone with a hand she doesn't have?

What happened?

Kathleen Thomas, who was born without a right hand, was issued a $116 citation by Deputy Yosvani Quesada of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office for allegedly holding a cellphone with her right hand while driving. The citation was later dismissed due to a lack of evidence.

Dismissed or cleared

Last checked: Jun 12, 2026
Sources: Shore News Network

Timeline

  1. Kathleen Thomas is issued a $116 citation by Deputy Yosvani Quesada in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, for allegedly holding a cellphone with her right hand.

  2. Thomas obtains body camera footage and posts clips on TikTok and Instagram under @slightlyoff.balance, which are widely shared.

  3. Thomas challenges the ticket in court, pleading not guilty and requesting an in-person trial.

  4. Deputy Yosvani Quesada requests the dismissal of the citation due to a lack of evidence.

  5. The court cancels the scheduled hearing, officially ending the case.

  6. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is reviewing Deputy Yosvani Quesada's conduct, with no public record of disciplinary action or official explanation as of this date.

Receipts