Struthers woman seeks to overturn Columbiana County prostitution verdict

Shanika Simmons

 A Struthers woman convicted of promoting prostitution in Columbiana County has filed a notice of appeal, seeking to overturn her jury verdict and sentence, according to court documents.

Shanika S. Simmons, 42, was sentenced last month to 12 months in prison after a jury found her guilty of promoting prostitution, a fourth-degree felony.

According to the indictment, Simmons was arrested on August 2, 2022, by East Palestine Police for engaging in an enterprise to facilitate sex for hire.

Simmons, who was also designated a Tier I sex offender, was ordered to register as such and will face five years of mandatory post-release control upon her release from prison. She was granted 58 days of jail credit toward her sentence.

Her attorney filed the notice of appeal on her behalf in the Seventh District Court of Appeals.

Simmons remains in the custody of the sheriff, awaiting transfer to prison.