Former Manhattan court juvenile counselor Tony Simmons, who was found guilty of molesting two teens but acquitted of a rape he had previously pleaded guilty to, has been sentenced to four years in prison. Simmons was initially sentenced to 10 years' probation for the crimes, but spent so much time talking about how much his victims enjoyed his behavior that a judge tossed out the deal and he faced trial a second time. Four years was the maximum sentence.
Prosecutor Evan Krutoy admitted the victims submitted to the attacks, but said, "Yes, they're not forcible. But you have a 200-pound-plus man and he has the ability to shackle and handcuff." Simmons was acquitted of two counts of third-degree rape but found guilty of two counts of third-degree criminal sexual act, which is a felony on the same level as the rape charges. Simmons reportedly answered "no" when asked in court if he had anything to say before he was sentenced. AP reports that an appeal is planned.
