Overview
- Marisa Simonetti, 32, was found guilty of gross misdemeanor harassment, misdemeanor domestic assault, and disorderly conduct after a brief trial.
- Court records and a victim’s video showed Simonetti throwing a live tarantula down a basement stairwell, spraying a substance, and hurling tacks and other objects.
- Edina police documented pins, tacks, nails, terrarium debris, small toys, and a moving tarantula at the scene, according to the criminal complaint.
- The harassment followed a renter’s suggestion to hire pest control for large spiders and included intercepted groceries, internet shutoff, and repeated 911 calls on June 20–21, 2024.
- Simonetti, an active U.S. Senate candidate who previously ran for Hennepin County commissioner, was arrested on June 21, 2024, with charging documents also naming Michael Held.