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Jacquetta Simmons ordered to pony up $100 in restitution montly starting Friday

By Billie Owens

Jacquetta Simmons appeared in Genesee County Court this afternoon on the matter of restitution for her victim, Grace Suozzi, a Walmart cashier who suffered fractured facial bones and other injuries following a Christmas Eve confrontation in the store in 2011.

The upshot is the same money Simmons had been ordered to pay in February -- $100 a month -- is the same amount she will have to pony up on the 26th of every month, beginning Friday, until the restitution of $2,000 is paid.

Her attorney at the time, Earl Keys, had argued that she was not able to make the payments because she'd just been released from jail for her crime and had been unable to find work.

The judge set another restitution hearing and asked for documentation about her efforts to find employment. There's been no progress as far as Noonan could determine.

Nothing much has changed, only months have passed.

Ann Nichols, who had also been one of the attorneys representing her at trial, was with her today and told the judge she had only met with her client on the matter yesterday, and just today was provided with a list of local places where her client has applied for jobs.

(Simmons is now married but her husband's income won't factor in much. His gross earnings are $793 a month.)

Suozzi has yet to see a penny, as far as Noonan knows.

"This victim is entitled to be paid restitution," Noonan said, "and all we've gotten so far are excuses, missed court appearances, and no restitution."

Nichols said one issue that has delayed matters is an appeal of the Jan. 13 restitution order of $100 monthly by Simmons's parents. That has now been withdrawn, and they "will be able to pay $100 as soon as Friday," the attorney said.

"We are moving toward paying restitution," Nichols said.

It was also noted that a payment of $100 was supposedly made in February, and maybe a second such payment, but no receipts were offered.

Noonan said he has no knowledge of any payments being made, but if the money was indeed received by the County Probation Department there will be a record of it and the sum(s) will be deducted from the total owed.

Simmons went to court last month by herself and had only a piece of notebook paper with some hand-written notes about her work search. Noonan told her she needed detailed, documentation of her employment search and inability to find work in order for him to decide whether to lower the amount of monthly restitution. He set another hearing for this afternoon and told her she could bring an attorney with her, or not, her choice.

Keys, it was noted, has moved to Washington State, where he is working in the State Attorney General's Office.

Cheryl Liles-Chaddock

She is showing her true colors, She should've been sentenced properly and not pampered like a 'victim.'The courts are getting what they gave-nothing.

Sep 24, 2014, 5:16am Permalink
Jessica Semar

It annoys me when people say they can't find a job. When I was in school, I found numerous places willing to work with my difficult schedule. I also know people that walk back and forth to work or ride a bike, just to stay employed. So, there is NO excuse not to have a job unless truly disabled, elderly, or just coming home with a baby.

Sep 24, 2014, 10:02am Permalink
Bea McManis

First, the amount owed to Grace is way too low. It pales when considering the life altering consequences.

That said, I can't help but wonder which local employer will hire someone who generated enormous public disdain. There are other job opportunities where she would deal with the public. How many of you would continue to frequent a place where she is waiting tables or working behind the counter?

Yes, she has to find a job. Yes, she needs to make good the restitution - as little as it is. I don't think her choices of employment are as simple as a fast food place or retail.

Sep 24, 2014, 1:24pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

One word - Angelica. Although I know there are many good people who work there, last I knew, there were many convicted felons and registered sex offenders. Check out the employer addresses on the sex offender registry. It's hard, dirty work and many people don't have the stomach for it so there is a huge turnover.

They are hiring right now. https://angelica.taleo.net/careersection/3/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en

I hear "soil sort" is a lot of fun. Hepatitis shots are required.

Sep 24, 2014, 2:48pm Permalink

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