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Simmons escorted into Batavia Town Court by supporters forming human shield

By Howard B. Owens

Whatever drama there was at the Town of Batavia Court today, it was all outside the Town Hall building, both before and after Jacquetta Simmons made her appearance there.

This was the first appearance for the 26-year-old Simmons following her initial arraignment Dec. 23 on two felony counts of assault, 2nd.

Simmons is accused of punching a 70-year-old Walmart employee in the face on Christmas Eve, knocking her several feet across the floor and causing facial fractures.

Television crews from Rochester and Buffalo were on hand for her appearance. After the crews milled about for nearly an hour waiting for her after her scheduled 2 p.m. appearance, several supporters of Simmons pulled up in a sedan and came out of their car and shouted, "Jesus saves!" -- with one member of the group reading aloud from a Bible while waiting for Simmons' arrival.

When Simmons did drive up, the supporters met her at her car, covered her with a jacket and formed a human shield to escort her into the Town Hall building.

Television cameramen tried to position themselves to get a shot of Simmons who had her face covered (listen to audio courtesy WBTA of the jostle).

In court, Simmons' case was called quickly after an attorney, Jerry Ader, from the Public Defender's Office, conferred with her.

Ader was filling in for Public Defender Gary Horton. Ader told Justice Michael Cleveland that Horton had not yet had conferred with Simmons. The case was continued until 2 p.m., Feb. 27, so Horton and Simmons can talk before she enters a plea.

Simmons left by a side door, and in the parking lot, a couple of Simmons' supporters decided to address the media. One gentlemen invited reporters to a new church he said is opening at 47 Swan St., Batavia.

He asked reporters repeatedly, "Are you saved?"

Then a young man came up demanding to know where the media was when his family was slandered. It was unclear what incident or situation he was talking about.

Previously:

Shannon Laurer

So as usual a clear message ISN'T sent! Are we saving the beaten or the beater? Are we some how supposed to be saving those that have been slandered? I know, how about people prepare their message ahead of time, make sure all are on the same page and make sure it's understood!

Jan 23, 2012, 7:34pm Permalink
RICHARD L. HALE

Was Ms. Simmons "saved" before allegedly striking Ms. Suozzi?

Is it easier to find the Lord, AFTER you break the law?

Perhaps the Lord DOES work in mysterious ways.....he wondered....

Jan 23, 2012, 10:32pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

I'm not sure what is more offensive? The unprovoked attack on an elderly woman or the way she is trying to hide behind the bible.

Jan 23, 2012, 11:05pm Permalink
Thomas Mooney

What a joke , they just made mockery out of themselves in order to continue the 15 min. fame game . I am surprised the race card hasn't been flung out there yet or maybe that is what the comment is about "where was the media when his family was slandered ". Does this youn man even understand what he is saying .

Jan 24, 2012, 7:25am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

I knew this church was supposedly going in on Swan St (a few doors down in the former Backhoe's bldg) but this is seeming to indicate the type of Christians going in. We in the neighborhood already noticed how Christian he is running off people that leave food for the family of stray kittens that have been there since last winter.

Jan 24, 2012, 7:44am Permalink
mark jackett

what a crock public defender? she had money available to get out of jail on x-mas now she's poor? just another way to abuse the system! she will need jesus to save her .

Jan 24, 2012, 7:53am Permalink
Kyle Couchman

LOL Bea....

Welcome to the Simmons Circus, coming this winter to Batavia Town Hall Feb 23, 2012. Buy your tickets now and dont miss all the fun.

Beat the winter blues, come on down and watch the drama kings and queens act up for the press and media. Then watch as they pass by the "man" and enter the courtroom quiet as churchmice. (or will they be?), get your tickets and find out.

Jan 24, 2012, 8:04am Permalink

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