Judge denies early release request for former UK student Sophia Rosing

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A judge has denied a motion for early release filed on behalf of former University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing, who was sentenced to 12 months in prison in October 2024.

Rosing’s attorney, Daniel Whitley, had requested shock probation, which would have allowed her to be released after serving between 30 and 180 days of her sentence. However, the judge ruled against the motion, meaning Rosing will remain incarcerated to serve out her full sentence.

Rosing pleaded guilty to multiple assault charges stemming from a viral 2022 incident in which she was recorded using racial slurs and attacking a Black student worker in a UK dormitory. She admitted to four counts of assault, along with charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

The case drew national attention and sparked conversations about racism and accountability on college campuses.