A Boynton Beach man has been sentenced to 132 months, or 11 years, in federal prison after he set his vehicle on fire while law enforcement officers were nearby, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. District Judge Melissa Damian sentenced Willie James Skipper Jr., 42, following a jury trial. He was convicted of possessing fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, arson, and firearm offenses, including possessing a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He also pleaded guilty to other counts in the indictment.
Court records and trial evidence show that in November 2025, Skipper poured gasoline on his vehicle and set it on fire while officers conducting a drug trafficking investigation stood a few feet away. The fire triggered an explosion. Skipper ran on foot but was later caught.
Investigators found fentanyl disguised as oxycodone pills, crack cocaine, cash and a loaded gun hidden in the vehicle. An expert testified that nearby propane tanks increased the risk of serious injury. DNA evidence linked Skipper to the drugs and the firearm.
Federal prosecutors said a earlier incident on Aug. 29, 2024, also involved a loaded gun and drug quantities. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Miami and ATF Miami Field Office investigated the case.
