Evergreen Reporter

U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Perry Ivory Wims, a 39-year-old resident of Tampa, to 15 years in federal prison. The sentencing follows Wims' guilty plea in August 2024 for possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Court records indicate that the Tampa Police Department (TPD) had obtained information about Wims selling fentanyl from his motel room in Tampa. This led to the issuance of a search warrant for his room. Before executing the warrant, officers reportedly saw Wims pointing a firearm at individuals in the motel's parking lot. Upon searching the motel room, authorities found fentanyl, cocaine, two firearms, ammunition, and a drum magazine.

Wims has a previous conviction and served a 15-year federal sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He completed that sentence less than three months before being arrested again. Federal law prohibits him from owning firearms or ammunition due to his status as a convicted felon.

The investigation was conducted by the Tampa Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorneys David P. Sullivan and James A. Muench prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that collaborates with various levels of law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence while enhancing neighborhood safety. On May 26, 2021, the Department introduced an enhanced strategy for reducing violent crime under PSN focused on fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement efforts, and measuring outcomes.