Albany Gunman Dewey Sims Gets 33 Months

ALBANY, NY – Dewey K. Sims, 33, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced yesterday to 33 months for being a convicted felon illegally packing heat. Sims, of Albany, was found with a loaded .25 caliber pistol, a clear violation of federal law given his prior record.

The bust went down on March 7, 2020, when Sims was pulled over for speeding in the Town of Colonie. The traffic stop quickly escalated when officers discovered the firearm. Turns out, Sims wasn’t just enjoying a joyride; he was committing a federal offense. His previous conviction for armed robbery had already stripped him of the right to own a weapon.

U.S. Attorney Carla B. Freedman and John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s New York Field Division, announced the sentencing. They’re framing this as a win for “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a DOJ initiative aimed at tackling violent crime. Basically, they’re rounding up the guys with guns who shouldn’t have them, and throwing the book at them.

The investigation was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Colonie Police Department. These agencies worked together to build a solid case against Sims, proving he knowingly possessed the firearm despite his felony status. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emmet O’Hanlon handled the prosecution, securing the 33-month sentence and three years of post-release supervision.

PSN isn’t just about arrests. The feds claim it’s a comprehensive strategy involving local stakeholders to identify the root causes of violence and implement long-term solutions. But let’s be real – putting repeat offenders behind bars is a pretty effective short-term solution, too. The program focuses on the “most violent offenders,” which Sims clearly qualifies as, given his history.

Sims’ sentence sends a message: if you’re a felon and you’re caught with a gun in New York, you’re going to pay the price. Thirty-three months isn’t a slap on the wrist, and the three years of supervision will ensure Sims doesn’t immediately return to his old habits upon release. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the effectiveness of PSN in Albany and beyond.