After a four-day trial, Ryan E. Dales, 36, was found guilty by a federal jury in Baltimore for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. The verdict was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Erek L. Barron; Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI's Baltimore Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer of the National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Dales faces additional charges related to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, with another jury trial scheduled for January 13, 2025. These charges involve alleged fraudulent unemployment insurance benefits and using victim identities to obtain high-end lawnmowers on credit.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Dales was arrested on January 20, 2023, following a federal arrest warrant execution at his residence at 900 E Fort Ave., Baltimore. Law enforcement seized items linked to drug trafficking from his apartment including two loaded firearms—a stolen Smith & Wesson and a "ghost gun"—ammunition, controlled substances including fentanyl, digital scales, drug packaging materials, and six cell phones.
Dales admitted ownership of the firearms after waiving his Miranda rights and described himself as "a very resourceful person" in reference to his drug dealing activities. His DNA was found on both firearms.
Investigators discovered Telegram chats on Dales's devices indicating negotiations for purchasing drugs and cutting agents from various sources including mass producers in China. Evidence also showed that he traveled to Boston with cash and a firearm similar to one found at his apartment to buy drugs.
Dales could face up to 20 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm; five years minimum up to 40 years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and five years minimum up to life for possessing a firearm during drug trafficking. Sentencing will be scheduled by U.S. District Chief Judge George Levi Russell III.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aiming to reduce violent crime through community collaboration. It is also connected with the District of Maryland Strike Force targeting COVID-19 fraud under the CARES Act.
United States Attorney Erek L. Barron praised the FBI and DOL-OIG's investigative work and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul A. Riley and Reema Sood for prosecuting the case alongside Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber from the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force.
For more information about this case or related resources, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md or contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline regarding pandemic-related fraud allegations.