MINNEAPOLIS — A Hennepin County Board candidate charged with assault for allegedly throwing a tarantula and other objects at another woman is planning to stay in the race.
Marisa Simonetti made a brief court appearance Thursday on charges of fifth-degree assault, where she hired legal representation on the spot after striking up a conversation with an attorney while awaiting her hearing.
Simonetti was arrested last month after an altercation involving another woman to whom she was renting a room. Video the alleged victim provided to KARE 11 News showed Simonetti throwing junk, and then a live tarantula, down the stairs toward the woman.
Simonetti has accused the woman of refusing to leave the Edina home, but KARE 11 news has confirmed from the actual homeowner that Simonetti never had permission to rent out portions of the house in the first place.
Days after her arrest, 3rd Congressional District Republicans withdrew an earlier "recommendation" of support for Simonetti's candidacy, saying in a statement she "does not reflect our values" and "has only served to embarrass the Republican Party."
Following Thursday's hearing, Simonetti told KARE 11's Lou Raguse that she plans to continue to run for Hennepin County Board.
"I mean, ultimately I didn't do anything so the race needs to go forward," Simonetti said.
Her newly hired attorney confirmed they will fight the charges.
"Yes we plan on fully defending the case," attorney John Daly said.
Simonetti is scheduled to return to court in October.
WATCH: KARE 11's previous reporting on Simonetti's arrest:
