NY woman convicted of punching Walmart cashier, 70

BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) — A western New York woman has been convicted of punching a 70-year-old Walmart cashier during a dispute over a receipt on Christmas Eve.

Jacquetta Simmons was found guilty of felony assault by a Genesee (jehn-eh-SEE') County Court jury Friday.

The 27-year-old faces from 2 1/3 to seven years in prison under New York's Granny Law, which makes it a felony to intentionally injure someone 65 or older if the defendant is at least 10 years younger than the victim.

Prosecutors say Simmons knocked Grace Suozzi down with a blow to the face while Suozzi was checking her receipt. Simmons' lawyer argued she swung her arm but didn't intend to hit Suozzi.

Sentencing is set for Nov. 14 in Batavia.

Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says employee safety is a "top priority" and its focus is on supporting Suozzi.