Westlake man sentenced to 13 years for possession with intent to distribute meth, cocaine, marijuana and firearms offenses

 Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced that Ryan Gallo, age 26, of Westlake, Ohio, was sentenced on Tuesday, March 30, to 157 months imprisonment by U.S. Judge John R. Adams. Gallo pleaded guilty in December of 2020 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“Federal convictions for trafficking in methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, when coupled with a conviction for carrying a loaded firearm to further those drug dealing efforts, will result in a  significant term of incarceration, like the sentence imposed here,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan. “We are grateful for the hard work and diligent efforts of the Broadview Heights Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration.”

“The sentencing of Gallo to more than 13 years in prison puts all drug traffickers on notice that they will be held accountable for their illegal conduct,” said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin. “Throughout the course of this investigation, agents seized firearms, methamphetamines and marijuana from Gallo. DEA remains committed to protecting Ohioans from those who prey on our communities.”

On August 26, 2020, Gallo was stopped by an officer with the Broadview Heights Police Department after reports that he had left the scene of an accident and was driving erratically. The officer identified Gallo as the driver and noted recent damage to the front of his vehicle. After identifying alcohol and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, Gallo was placed under arrest, and his person and vehicle were searched.

During the search, officers located approximately 473 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of cocaine, 1,134 grams of marijuana and a loaded .32 caliber revolver. Gallo is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a 2018 drug trafficking conviction in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.

This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Broadview Heights Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Sweeney.