Reynaldo Kinjo Zialcita, 53, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine hydrochloride with intent to distribute and being a drug user in possession of a firearm and ammunition. This was announced by Shawn N. Anderson, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. In addition to his prison term, Zialcita will serve three years of supervised release and pay a $200 special assessment fee.
The charges stem from an incident on November 16, 2023, when officers from the Guam Police Department stopped Zialcita's vehicle. During the stop, he attempted to conceal a small bag which later revealed 249.6 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Sig Sauer P365 pistol. The firearm had been reported stolen during a residential burglary in March 2023.
Zialcita admitted his involvement in selling methamphetamine during the COVID-19 pandemic due to his addiction and purchased the firearm for protection against robbery. "This case is another example of the danger faced by law enforcement during traffic stops," stated United States Attorney Anderson. He added that prosecuting such cases prevents drug distribution and reduces gun-related violence risks.
Jonathan Blais, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge, commented on the sentencing: "Dealing drugs and possessing firearms is a losing, and very dangerous, combination." He expressed hope that this sentence would encourage Zialcita to reconsider his actions.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Guam Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Devarup Rastogi prosecuted the case.