Valley computer consultant has charges reduced or dropped
Story Update: Charges for Michael Simmons were reduced or dropped. The charge of possessing a destructive device, the most serious charge, was reduced to a misdemeanor and Simmons plead guilty to the reduced charge. Three other charges were also dropped.
The judge sentenced Simmons to 3 years of summary probation and 60 days in custody, says John Hall, Spokesman for the Riverside County D.A.’s office. According to Simmons Attorney David Wohl, he will serve that time on a work release program not in custody.
(Original story December 30th, 2014)
A valley man known for his elaborate Christmas light displays is facing four felony charges, including possessing a destructive device and possessing a large capacity magazine.
Michael Simmons turned himself in Tuesday morning, after a judged issued a warrant for his arrest. According to court documents, the devices were discovered in Simmons’ home, during the course of an investigation into complaints by Cord Media, that Simmons had allegedly installed pirated software on the computers of the local advertising agency.
Simmons attorney, David Wohl, confirmed that Simmons posted five thousand dollars bail and in a statement told us “we plan on vigorously defending Mr. Simmons good name and reputation in court and look forward to a complete exoneration regarding the charges he’s facing.”
You may recall that Michael Simmons appeared on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight program in 2013. Simmons did not enter a plea this morning and the judge set an arraignment for next month
