New Milford woman sentenced to 50 years for role in sex crimes against minors

NEW MILFORD, CT (WFSB) – A woman has been convicted for her involvement in sex crimes against a minor alongside her co-defendant.

Sara Anne Simonelli, 41, of New Milford, was sentenced to 50 years in prison, with execution suspended after 20 years served, followed by 20 years of probation.

Simonelli was also ordered to register with the Connecticut Sex Offender Registry.

On June 4, 2024, Simonelli pleaded guilty in Torrington Superior Court to four counts of employing a minor in an obscene performance, two counts of promoting a minor in an obscene performance, one count of first-degree sexual assault with a victim under the age of 13. of age, and one count of risk of injury to a minor.

Her co-defendant, Michael J. Almeida, 29, of New Milford, was sentenced on May 9, 2024.

On January 30, 2024, Almeida pleaded guilty in Torrington Superior Court to two counts of possession of child pornography in the first degree, two counts of aiding and abetting the employment of a minor in an obscene performance, and one count of aiding and abetting the commission of risk of injury. child.

The case stemmed from an investigation by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which led to a search warrant and the seizure of several electronic devices from Almeida.

Authorities identified more than four hundred files containing child pornography on Almeida’s devices.

Police also found videos and photos of the victim on his cell phone, including several videos of Almeida assaulting the victim.

Text messages between Almeida and Simonelli regarding the contents were also discovered.

At the time of the facts, Almeida and Simonelli were in a relationship

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