Long Branch ex-inmate found guilty for 2014 Red Bank shooting

An ex-convict from Long Branch, accused of pumping 15 rounds at a victim in Red Bank in April 2014, faces 20 years to life in prison, found guilty today for attempted murder.

Anthony Sims, 28, was also convicted of two weapon-possession counts related to the attack on Perry Veney, after a trial that lasted five weeks, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Chris Gramiccioni's office.

Sims is eligible for an extended term based on his previous conviction for attempted manslaughter. Prosecutors said that Sims was under parole supervision for that conviction, and had been released from prison on January 13, 2014.

He will be required to serve 85 percent of his term before parole consideration, under New Jersey's No Early Release Act. Sentencing is scheduled for August 18.

Gramiccioni's office did not describe a motive. According to findings by investigators, Sims traveled to Red Bank on April 9, 2014, found Veney seated in his car outside this grandmother's Willow Street house, pulled out a semi-automatic hand gun and fired into the car, hitting the victim more than 10 times.

Veney was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, and underwent multple surgeries, authorities said. Sims was arrested on April 14.

Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutors Martha Nye and Caitlin Sidley presented the state's case. Sims was represented by Long Branch attorney John Perrone.