Westlake man sentenced to 13 years on drug, firearms charges

“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.” — DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent-in-Charge Keith Martin

Acting U.S. Attorney Bridget M. Brennan announced March 31 that Ryan Gallo, 26, of Westlake was sentenced a day earlier to 157 months imprisonment by U.S. Judge John R. Adams.

Gallo pleaded guilty in December 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, Brennan said in a news release.

“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,” Brennan said. “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 Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Aug. 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.

Police searched Gallo and his vehicle.During the search, officers located 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 Common Pleas Court.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Broadview Heights Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret A. Sweeney prosecuted the case.