Former Rio Grande Valley Officer Sentenced to 41 Months in Federal Prison

A former Rio Grande Valley law enforcement officer is headed to federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal possession of a firearm.

Michael Gallego-Martinez, 45, was sentenced to 41 months behind bars, followed by three years of supervised release, after authorities discovered drugs, cash, and a firearm in his possession during a routine traffic stop.

Traffic Stop Leads to Federal Charges

Gallego-Martinez’s legal troubles began when he was pulled over in 2023. During the stop, law enforcement officers discovered:

• A revolver
• 25 grams of cocaine
• A bottle of Xanax pills
• $25,000 in cash

Following the discovery, Gallego-Martinez was arrested and charged with illegal possession of a firearm, a federal offense that carries significant penalties. He later pled guilty in June 2023.

Legal Consequences and Sentencing

The sentencing underscores the seriousness of firearm and drug-related offenses, particularly for individuals who have previously served in law enforcement. Prosecutors emphasized that the presence of drugs and a firearm posed a potential danger to the community.

In addition to his 41-month prison term, Gallego-Martinez will be subject to three years of supervised release, during which he must comply with federal regulations and avoid further criminal activity.

Related Resources

For more information on federal firearm laws and sentencing guidelines, visit:

• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): https://www.atf.gov
• U.S. Department of Justice: https://www.justice.gov
• Federal Bureau of Prisons: https://www.bop.gov