An Atmore man has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for various fraud-related charges and illegal possession of a machinegun. Tyderian Deantwyne Sims, aged 25, was involved in fraudulent activities from 2021 to 2023. Court documents reveal that in March 2021, Sims unlawfully obtained federal pandemic unemployment compensation by submitting a false certification to the Alabama Department of Labor. In May 2021, he secured a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan by falsely claiming to operate a lawncare business.

In July 2023, Sims engaged in fraudulent transactions involving counterfeit and forged checks derived from stolen U.S. mail. He was arrested on these charges in June 2024 when police discovered an illegally modified Glock pistol with a machinegun-conversion device during his arrest. Sims confessed to purchasing the illegal machinegun through Instagram and data from his phone suggested he offered similar devices for sale.

Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock has mandated that Sims serve a three-year supervised release term after his prison sentence, which includes mental health treatment and credit restrictions. No fine was imposed; however, restitution of $32,229.59 and special assessments totaling $400 were ordered.

U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello announced the sentencing decision. The case was investigated by several agencies including the United States Postal Investigation Service, the Alabama Department of Labor Internal Security Division, and the Atmore Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case.