Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

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...

Joe Scarnati, because of the strong arm of the Just for Jesus Ministry, amended SB 1161 – known as the Scarnati Amendment. This bill is now signed into law. It states that when a murderer or someone with a similar offense is released by the Department of Corrections to a facility in the community, the municipal officials may hold a public hearing to give the community an opportunity to express itself and ask questions. Then, Mr. Scarnati had the audacity to violate the law, one that he is taking public credit for and sent a letter, along with four other people to Judge Creany in Cambria County, trying to influence the judge to remove Ernie Simmons from the Just for Jesus facility in Brockway, when the law now says that Ernie and the community has a right to a public hearing. Mr. Scarnati’s arrogant ways and actions are showing him to be so comfortable in his position that he can blatantly violate his own amended law, oath of office and ignore the Constitutional rights of a human being....

State Senator Joe Scarnati of the 25th District expressed dismay that Jack Wisor and officials at the Just for Jesus homeless shelter outside of Brockway have chosen to intentionally violate a measure which was just recently passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Ed Rendell. According to Scarnati, Act 95 of 2010 states that a group-based home like Just for Jesus, which agrees to provide housing to a convicted murderer, must notify the county and municipal governments in which the home is located that the individual is staying at the home, within 48 hours of his arrival. Upon notification, the county or municipal government may choose to hold a public hearing concerning the group-based home provider, its site and operation. “The law is very clear and unmistakable, Scarnati said. “Without question, it was ignored by Mr. Wisor and his Just for Jesus group, as they continue to be a safety concern for many citizens in the Jefferson County area.” Convicted murderer Ern...