Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - One of the people convicted of being involved in a drive-by shooting in Rochester last year has avoided a prison sentence.

27-year-old Torria Dilanna Sims and 26-year-old Joseph Wesley Simmons were arrested about a year ago after Rochester police responded to multiple reports of a shooting in the vicinity of 41st Street and East Frontage Road Northwest along Highway 52. Court records indicate the responding officers found spent shell casings at the scene and spoke with the victim, who identified Sims as the person who fired a gun in her direction from the passenger seat of the vehicle that was driven by Simmons. No injuries were reported.

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According to the criminal complaint, the victim told investigators the shooting occurred as she was leaving a party, where both Sims and Simmons were in attendance. She indicated that there were tensions between them because she had a child with Simmons, who at the time was dating Sims.

The Charges Say the Gunfire was Directed at the Mother of Her Boyfriend's Child

Earlier this year, Sims entered into a plea agreement and admitted to a terroristic threats charge. The plea deal called for the dismissal of charges of aiding and abetting drive-by shooting and aiding and abetting second-degree assault.

She has been sentenced to just under two months in jail and has been placed on probation for five years. Sims, who now lives in Austin, was given the option of serving the jail sentence in the Mower County Jail.

Simmons Jr. Olmsted County ADC

Simmons also entered into a plea agreement in the case. He entered a Norgaard plea to a charge of aiding and abetting second-degree assault. The plea means he admits his guilt but does not remember his actions due to intoxication. He is scheduled to be sentenced later this week.

More Minnesota News:

These Common Household Items Are Now Banned In Minnesota

A hot topic lately is PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals" because they are difficult for humans to detoxify and have half-lives measured in years. These chemicals accumulate in the body over time and can cause significant health issues even at low exposure levels

PFAS are commonly found in the environment and the human body and have been linked to a range of health concerns including increased cholesterol levels, potential disruption of hormone systems, reduced immune function, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental issues in children, and reproductive problems, particularly in pregnant women.

On January 1, 2024, Minnesota prohibited PFAS in firefighting foam and food packaging. The state is taking an even more aggressive stance against the chemicals in 2025.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the first prohibitions of products containing intentionally added PFAS under Amara's Law (Minn. Stat. § 116.943) are now in effect in Minnesota, meaning you can no longer legally purchase these items.

If you're wondering if you already have products with intentionally added PFAS, you can take the following steps to be sure:

Check the label - Look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free.
Check for keywords - Look for words like "waterproof," "stain-repellent," or "dirt-repellant" on the tag.
Check for ingredients - Avoid products that contain ingredients with "perfluoro" or "fluoro" in their name.
Use a third-party verification service - Some organizations offer third-party verification of products that claim to be made without PFAS.

As of January 1, 2025, you can no longer purchase products with intentionally added PFAS in Minnesota. These products fall under the 11 categories below.

Gallery Credit: David Drew