U.S. Senate candidate Marisa Simonetti has been convicted of harassment, domestic assault, and disorderly conduct for throwing a live tarantula at a tenant renting space in her Edina, Minnesota home through Airbnb, after a jury found her guilty last week in Hennepin County.
Simonetti, 32, was found guilty on Mar. 13 following a multi-day trial in Hennepin County District Court, where jurors heard testimony about a June 2024 dispute with tenant Jacklyn Vasquez. Court records show the charges stem from efforts to force Vasquez to leave the basement unit, which was being rented short-term.
According to the criminal complaint, tensions rose after Vasquez asked about hiring pest control to deal with large spiders in the unit. Vasquez later called 911 several times on June 21, 2024, reporting that Simonetti banged pots and pans, shut off the home's internet, and tried to enter the basement space, according to People.
Video presented at trial showed Simonetti dumping a tarantula and debris down the staircase toward the basement while yelling about a spider infestation. Police who responded reported finding pins, tacks, nails, a live tarantula, apparent terrarium contents, and small toys scattered on the stairs.
Simonetti, who is running for the U.S. Senate after a previous unsuccessful bid for Hennepin County Board, represented herself at trial. She has said in earlier media interviews that she bought the spider at a pet store and claimed she was inspired by the movie "Home Alone," though she denied intending to harm the tenant, the Star Tribune reported.
Vasquez, who was studying for the bar exam at the time, told investigators she was frightened and hid in her room while leaving a laptop to record what was happening. A six-member jury ultimately convicted Simonetti of gross misdemeanor harassment, misdemeanor domestic assault, and disorderly conduct.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, and Simonetti remains free until then, according to court records, as per EP Local News.
