Westlake Man Sentenced For Meth, Cocaine Distribution

WESTLAKE, OH — A Westlake man was sentenced to 13 years in prison for drug trafficking, the Department of Justice announced.

Ryan Gallo, 26, was sentenced 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 and being a 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.

On Aug. 26, 2020, Gallo was stopped by police in Broadview Heights. Gallo's car had front-end damage and he had reportedly left the scene of an accident, court documents said.

Officers looked inside Gallo's car and found alcohol and drug paraphernalia inside, court documents noted. Gallo was then arrested and both he and his car were thoroughly searched.

During the search, police found approximately 473 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of cocaine, 1,134 grams of marijuana and a loaded .32 caliber revolver, court documents said. Gallo was barred from having a gun because of a 2018 drug trafficking conviction in Cuyahoga County.

The DEA and Broadview Heights police lead the investigation into Gallo.

“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.”