Rafael F. Gallegos, Obstruction of Justice, Arizona 2017

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Table of Contents

Texas Lawyer and Assistant Face Federal Charges for Obstruction of Justice

RAFAEL F. GALLEGOS, a 59-year-old Tucson lawyer, and his 39-year-old assistant, RICARDO GALLEGOS, are facing federal charges for allegedly obstructing justice, tampering with a witness and assisting an offender in avoiding apprehension in a criminal case. The arrest was announced by United States Attorney John F. Bash of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael DeLeon, Phoenix Field Office.

The indictment alleges that from January 2017 to October 2017, the defendants conspired to corruptly effect the administration of justice in a criminal matter pending in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. The indictment also alleges that the defendants provided false information to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona.

The indictment further alleges that the defendants, having knowledge of the commission of a drug trafficking offense, provided assistance to the offender in order to hinder and prevent the offender’s apprehension, trial and punishment. The indictment also alleges that the defendants conspired to corruptly persuade an individual to provide false information to law enforcement investigators.

Upon conviction, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison for witness tampering; up to ten years in federal prison for obstruction of justice; and, up to five years in federal prison for the remaining conspiracy charges.

The FBI Phoenix Field Office’s Tucson Resident Agency is investigating this case with the assistance of HSI and CBP. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department assisted with today’s operation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daphne Newaz of the Western District of Texas is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

It is essential to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This case serves as a reminder that obstruction of justice will not be tolerated in our community, and those who engage in such activities will be held accountable for their actions.