NYC Juvenile Justice Worker Gets Prison For Molesting Girls
NEW YORK (AP/ WCBS 880 / 1010 WINS) -- A former juvenile justice worker convicted of molesting teenagers inside a New York City courthouse has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Tony Simmons did not speak at his sentencing Tuesday. An appeal is planned.
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WCBS 880's Irene Cornell with the story from Manhattan
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1010 WINS' Juliet Papa with Sonia Ossorio of the National Organization of Women
He was accused of brazenly using his job to prey on the underage girls in his custody at the Manhattan Family Court building. He was convicted of molesting two teens but acquitted of raping a third.
Simmons' case had sparked outrage among women's advocates.
"We're very, very happy that the judge gave him the maximum sentence because that's what he deserved," Sonia Ossorio of the National Organization of Women said. "Rather than maybe trying to have sex with them he could've given them some hope, some inspiration, some guidance."
When handing down the sentence the judge said this case shed light not only on the plight of troubled teens but the need for tougher penalties for these crimes.
Upon release Simmons will be listed as a sex offender.
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