In Baltimore, Ryan E. Dales was sentenced to over 26 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release after being found guilty of multiple charges related to drug trafficking and fraud. Chief U.S. District Judge George L. Russell, III, imposed the sentence on the 36-year-old, who had prior felony convictions.
Dales faced charges for unlawful firearm possession by a felon, intent to distribute fentanyl, using a firearm in drug trafficking, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The decision follows a December 2024 federal jury conviction and a subsequent guilty plea on wire fraud and identity theft charges.
U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes of the District of Maryland, speaking on the sentencing, remarked, “Mr. Dales’s criminal activity was callous, dangerous, and with complete disregard for his victims,” emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to accountability. Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI underscored the gravity of Dales' actions: “The FBI has no tolerance for repeat offenders who threaten the safety and security of our communities.”
An investigation revealed that Dales conducted a fraud scheme involving pandemic relief funds and was involved in drug distribution, specifically importing fentanyl from China for street-level sales. Following his December conviction for drug and firearm offenses, further inquiries into Dales uncovered his role in fraudulent unemployment claims and acquiring high-end lawnmowers using stolen identities.
His activities included creating fraudulent documents and cards, and he exploited the dark web for personal information. Items seized from Dales' residence included firearms, drugs, and tools for identity theft operations.
Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer of the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General stated, “Ryan Dales engaged in a multi-faceted pandemic-relief fraud scheme that included filing fraudulent UI claims with the Maryland Department of Labor,” highlighting the collaboration between federal agencies to uphold benefit program integrity.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. It also falls under the scope of a strike force dedicated to combating large-scale COVID-19 relief fraud.
For further information on the pandemic response and fraud reporting, the Department of Justice provides resources and a hotline for assisting with allegations of fraud.
U.S. Attorney Hayes acknowledged the cooperation of the FBI, DOL-OIG, and federal prosecutors in this investigation.
