Unity man ordered to probation, house arrest after felony sex assault charges dismissed

A Unity man pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor sex charge this week after prosecutors agreed to dismiss more serious felony counts after he was accused of having sexual contact with a pre-teen girl in 2019.

Christopher Simoncini, 36, was ordered to serve three years on probation, including a 12-month period on house arrest.

“I am not sure I am comfortable with this plea. This is not a misdemeanor offense. It’s a felony offense,” said Westmoreland County Common Pleas Court Christopher Feliciani.

Following a private meeting with the assistant district attorney and defense lawyer, the judge agreed, without comment, to accept the deal.

District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli defended the plea deal.

“The plea offer that was accepted by the defendant was appropriate in this matter in that it holds him accountable for his actions, takes into consideration the wishes of the victim and her mother, properly evaluated all the evidence available and ensures the safety of our community,” Ziccarelli said in an emailed statement.

Simoncini was ordered to undergo a sex offender evaluation and as a condition of his sentence, will be required to register as a convicted sex offender for 15 years.

The girl and her mother testified they agreed with the plea deal.

“I want to be happy again. I am hoping this will give me closure and I can go on with my life,” the girl said.

The Tribune-Review does not identify sexual assault victims.