Convicted Killer Ernie Simmons to
Remain Jailed After Probation Revocation
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati announced today that Ernie Simmons has had his probation revoked and will remain in prison. Scarnati has repeatedly expressed serious concern, over the past several months, regarding the decision to allow Simmons to take up residency in the local area.
“I am pleased that the Judge’s decision is in accordance with the feelings of a large majority of residents in the local community,” Scarnati stated. “I have stated time and time again my opposition to a convicted murderer being placed in a local group facility. Obviously, I have on numerous occasions expressed those concerns to the Judge, as well as the Board of Probation and Parole.”
According to Scarnati, Simmons faces 6 months to 10 years in prison for his most recent violation.
In 1993, Ernie Simmons was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1992 beating and strangulation of 80-year-old Anna Knaze of Johnstown. But a federal judge ruled in 2005 that prosecutors withheld some evidence that could have helped Simmons' defense, and the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision by ordering a new trial.
Late last year, Simmons pleaded no contest to third-degree murder, which resulted in a shorter prison sentence. When he was released, he was sent to the Just for Jesus Shelter, just south of Brockway.
To read a letter sent to Judge Creany by Scarnati prior to the hearing, go here PDF.
“I am pleased that the Judge’s decision is in accordance with the feelings of a large majority of residents in the local community,” Scarnati stated. “I have stated time and time again my opposition to a convicted murderer being placed in a local group facility. Obviously, I have on numerous occasions expressed those concerns to the Judge, as well as the Board of Probation and Parole.”
According to Scarnati, Simmons faces 6 months to 10 years in prison for his most recent violation.
In 1993, Ernie Simmons was convicted and sentenced to death for the 1992 beating and strangulation of 80-year-old Anna Knaze of Johnstown. But a federal judge ruled in 2005 that prosecutors withheld some evidence that could have helped Simmons' defense, and the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision by ordering a new trial.
Late last year, Simmons pleaded no contest to third-degree murder, which resulted in a shorter prison sentence. When he was released, he was sent to the Just for Jesus Shelter, just south of Brockway.
To read a letter sent to Judge Creany by Scarnati prior to the hearing, go here PDF.
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