The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
One of the candidates running for the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners spent last weekend in jail after being accused of assaulting a woman by throwing a live tarantula at her during a disagreement.
30-year-old Marisa Christina Simonetti is a conservative running for Hennepin County Commissioner District 6. On her campaign website she says, “I believe a safe home and family are the foundation of a community’s growth, safety, and long term success,” but on June 21, alleged unsafety in the home where she currently resides resulted in her facing potential criminal charges.
Simonetti was reportedly living with another woman who was temporarily renting out a different part of the house through Airbnb while she was studying for the California Bar exam. The short-term resident sent messages to Simonetti to complain about problems with the internet, in addition to what she believed was a spider infestation. The pair reportedly butted heads, and though Simonetti does not own the home, she allegedly tried to evict the other woman from the premises.
Last Friday, Simonetti and a 69-year-old man allegedly entered the renter’s space without consent. The woman said the pair started throwing items down the staircase at her, and Simonetti allegedly threw a live tarantula at her.
The woman called the police and told them she feared for her safety.
Simonetti was arrested and booked into the Hennepin County Jail on one count of fifth-degree assault. She remained behind bars for the weekend, and she was released without bail on Monday. She was ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim.
The man at the residence during the incident was not jailed, but he was cited for fifth-degree assault.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.