Marisa Simonetti, a Minnesota political figure and current independent candidate for the U.S. Senate, was convicted Friday on multiple criminal charges stemming from a bizarre 2024 dispute with an Airbnb tenant that involved the use of a live tarantula as a weapon of intimidation.
A Hennepin County jury found Simonetti, 32, guilty of gross misdemeanor harassment, misdemeanor domestic assault, and disorderly conduct. The verdict follows a high-profile trial centered on a June 21, 2024, incident at Simonetti’s Edina residence, where she was caught on video attempting to forcibly evict a short-term renter through a series of “Home Alone”-inspired tactics.
The Escalation of a Rental Dispute
The conflict began shortly after Jacklyn Vasquez, then a law student studying for the bar exam, rented a basement unit in Simonetti’s home. According to court documents and the criminal complaint, the relationship soured quickly after Vasquez requested professional pest control to deal with spiders in the unit.
The situation reached a breaking point on June 21, when Vasquez placed several 911 calls reporting a campaign of escalating harassment. Prosecutors presented evidence that Simonetti:
- Acoustic Harassment: Banged pots and pans together while yelling “Hallelujah!” to disrupt Vasquez’s studies.
- Utility Tampering: Cut off the home’s internet service.
- Physical Intrusion: Removed a door to gain access to the basement unit alongside an unidentified male associate.
“Spider Infestation”: The Tarantula Incident
The trial’s most striking evidence was a video recorded by Vasquez’s laptop, which she had placed at the base of the stairs while hiding in her room.
The footage captured a “torrent” of items—including pins, tacks, nails, and small toys—cascading down the stairs. Simonetti was then heard shouting “spider infestation!” before dumping a live tarantula and the contents of a terrarium onto the staircase.
Responding officers confirmed finding the live arachnid moving among the debris. Simonetti later admitted to NBC News that she purchased the spider specifically for the confrontation, citing the movie Home Alone as her inspiration.
“If I’m scared or hurt, I try and make jokes,” Simonetti told reporters in 2024. “I didn’t know what to do, and so, yeah, I got the spider.”
Legal and Political Fallout
At the time of the incident, Simonetti was campaigning for a seat on the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. Despite the criminal charges, she has continued her political aspirations, currently running as an independent for the U.S. Senate.
Simonetti opted to represent herself during the trial after parting ways with her legal counsel. Following the guilty verdict, she told the Star Tribune that her defeat was a matter of technicality rather than merit.
“I was just outplayed,” Simonetti stated. “I didn’t fully understand court procedures. That’s all.”
Summary of Verdict
| Charge | Level | Verdict |
| Harassment | Gross Misdemeanor | Guilty |
| Domestic Assault | Misdemeanor | Guilty |
| Disorderly Conduct | Misdemeanor | Guilty |
Vasquez, who testified that she felt “scared” and “trapped” in a hostile environment, fled the residence only after Simonetti’s initial arrest.
Simonetti is scheduled for sentencing on May 1, 2026. In a brief statement following the verdict, she declined further comment, citing ongoing court filings.
