Deundalas Gales Gets 29-Year Sentence for Drug and Weapon Charges

Deundalas Gales, a 37-year-old resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been sentenced to nearly 29 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, including the possession of a machinegun conversion device. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced the sentence, which follows a series of criminal activities that culminated in a high-speed chase and shootout.

On July 6, 2024, Gales was involved in a high-speed crash in Albuquerque. Following the collision, he fired approximately 25 rounds from a handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device at the other vehicle involved in the crash. Fortunately, the driver of the other vehicle was not hit, despite the vehicle sustaining multiple gunshots.

Gales fled the scene on foot, leaving behind a vehicle containing 447. 1 grams of methamphetamine with 99% purity and a stolen shotgun. In his haste, he dropped the firearm with the conversion device, his wallet, and other personal belongings, which helped investigators identify him.

A week later, on July 13, 2024, Gales was found bleeding and wearing body armor after reportedly breaking into a neighbor's apartment and setting fire to his own. Officers discovered him holding a loaded firearm magazine. Upon entering his smoke-filled apartment, officers observed firearms and fentanyl pills in plain view.

A subsequent search of the apartment, conducted under a warrant, revealed 216. 5 net grams of fentanyl, 892. 7 net grams of methamphetamine, five firearms, a black powder revolver, approximately 500 rounds of ammunition, digital scales, and multiple firearm magazines.

Further investigation led to the search of Gales' vehicle parked at the apartment complex, where officers recovered approximately 204 grams of fentanyl, 112.8 net grams of methamphetamine, and five additional firearms, including another machinegun conversion device.

Gales, who has prior convictions for assault, aggravated robbery, and possession of a controlled substance, was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. He pleaded guilty to several charges, including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possessing and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, investigated the case. The U. S.

Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case. Upon his release, Gales will be subject to five years of supervised release, as there is no parole in the federal system.