After a four-day trial, a jury on Monday found 29-year-old Derick James Simmons guilty of five counts of Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct as a First Degree Felony. The victims, who were both under the age of 14 at the time of the incidents, described during trial how Simmons would reach under the blanket and their
underwear to touch them.

According to Chief Prosecutor J. Basil O’Mallan, prosecutor for the case, “I commend the victims for having the strength to testify in a very emotionally-charged trial. They waited two years for their day in court, and justice persevered.”

Simmons was remanded into custody immediately following his conviction, and is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Arthur R. Barcinas at a date to be determined.