(Marion County, FL) The Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announces the guilty verdict in the trial of 27-year-old Devin Rashad Sims, a convicted felon. Sims has been found guilty of Possessing a Firearm and was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Peter M. Brigham to Five Years in the Florida Department of Corrections.
Sims’ arrest occurred back in April of 2022, during a large block party where Ocala Police Department (OPD) deputies initially observed him in the crowd, wearing a ski mask. Deputies continued patrolling the area on foot and while doing so, noticed Sims coming up directly behind them grabbing and holding onto an item within his pant pocket.
Upon noticing the suspicious behavior, deputies decided to conduct a consensual encounter with Sims. As deputies turned and began to walk in his direction, Sims took off running toward a parked vehicle.
While doing so, OPD officials notice Sims take his arm from his pocket and toss an item into the grassy area beside the vehicle. The item made an audible sound upon landing on the ground.
When deputies made contact with Sims, who now had his ski mask pulled up on his head, another deputy observed a firearm in the grassy area where they witnessed Sims toss an item. The firearm was collected and deputies questioned Sims as to the possession of the firearm, post-Miranda Warning, he denied ownership.
Based upon their observation, the discovery of the firearm, and given Sims’ prior felony conviction, he was placed under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. While being processed into the Marion County jail, Sims told the arresting officer that the firearm was not his and he did not plan on using it.
“This case underscores the importance of vigilance in our community. Our deputies acted swiftly to ensure the safety of the public,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “The successful prosecution and sentencing of the defendant reflect our commitment to upholding the law and protecting our residents.”
Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon ensured the successful prosecution of this case.
Published on 06/27/2024.