NYC juvenile worker convicted of molesting girls

NEW YORK (AP) — A former juvenile justice worker has been convicted of molesting two girls under his care in a New York City courthouse. But he was acquitted of charges of raping a third girl.

Jurors delivered their verdict Friday in Tony Simmons’ trial. The case was closely watched by women’s advocates.

His accusers testified that Simmons abruptly began fondling them after taking them aside in the Manhattan Family Court building. At the time, they were 15 and 16.

His city Department of Juvenile Justice job entailed bringing the girls to court and supervising them there.

Simmons’ lawyer said the accusers were troubled girls who made the allegations hoping to get out of custody or get a lawsuit payout.