Two Men Sentenced in Connection with Aryan Knights Case

BOISE—U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced today that two individuals charged in connection with the Aryan Knights investigation were sentenced in United States District Court in Boise earlier today.

Dallas Tyler Thompson, 31, of Boise, was sentenced to 49 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm. Thompson pleaded guilty on January 16, 2013, to possessing a Glock 9-millimeter handgun on June 19, 2012. Thompson is prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously convicted of the felony crime of aggravated battery in 2001.

Andrew Gallegos, 23, of Boise, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for unlawful possession of a firearm. Gallegos pleaded guilty to the charge on January 14, 2013. Gallegos admitted that on February 21, 2012, he possessed a Smith & Wesson .357 semi-automatic pistol. Gallegos is prohibited from possessing firearms because he was previously convicted of the felony crimes of possession of a controlled substance and concealment of evidence.

Gallegos and Thompson were charged in two separate indictments filed in August and September 2012, respectively. These two defendants were among 23 people charged as a result of a long term investigation by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force. The investigation began when the task force focused on illegal drug distribution by the Aryan Knights, a gang active both in prison and on the streets throughout Idaho. Through the investigation, law enforcement agents identified Aryan Knights gang members who were trafficking methamphetamine, as well as associates of the gang who were the source of that methamphetamine.

Of the 23 individuals charged, 20 have pleaded guilty, two have signed plea agreements but have not yet entered guilty pleas, and one is set for trial. Of those who pleaded guilty, six were already sentenced, while 14 are currently awaiting sentencing.

The joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) included the cooperative law enforcement efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; and U.S. Marshals Service. The Twin Falls Police Department, Twin Falls Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, and District 3 Probation and Parole also participated in the investigation.

The Aryan Knights cases are being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit treasurevalleypartners.org.