NEWPORT NEWS, VA – A ghost from the past is facing justice. Brian Gale, 54, of Newport News, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for the brazen armed robbery of Ricco’s Pizza on West Mercury Boulevard back in July of 2016. The feds are finally closing in on this cold case, and Gale could be looking at a substantial stretch behind bars.
According to the indictment unsealed today, Gale didn’t just walk into Ricco’s – he invaded it. On July 3, 2016, he allegedly entered through the rear of the establishment, face covered by a mask, and wielding a firearm. The scene quickly escalated. Gale reportedly shoved one employee to the floor before moving towards the front counter, where he held the store owner at gunpoint, demanding cash.
But it didn’t stop at a demand. The indictment details that Gale fired his weapon inside the crowded pizza shop before making off with an undisclosed amount of money from the register. Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene. This wasn’t a simple grab-and-dash; it was a violent act that put lives at risk.
If convicted of the robbery, Gale is facing a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. However, the feds are stacking the charges. Because he allegedly discharged a firearm during the commission of the crime, he’s also staring down a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 10 years. That brings the potential total to a hefty 30 years. While federal sentencing guidelines often result in shorter terms, the judge has discretion based on a range of factors.
The announcement came jointly from Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Michael B. Boxler, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Washington Field Division; and Terry L. Sult, Chief of Hampton Police Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin C. Gratton is leading the prosecution. This case demonstrates the long reach of federal law enforcement and their commitment to bringing even years-old crimes to a resolution.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Gale is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Court documents related to this case can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia website and through the PACER system. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments as they unfold.
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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