Convicted Felon Sentenced to 5 Years on Federal Firearm Charge

ABINGDON, Va. – A Norton, Virginia man was sentenced recently to five years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition after having previously been convicted in state court of felony drug trafficking and illegal gun possession. 

Courtland Ramon Gales, 37, pled guilty in May 2026 to illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Gales has previously been convicted four times of state charges related to being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to court documents, on September 19, 2025, Gales knowingly possessed a Davis Industries Model DM-22 .22 caliber pistol loaded with two rounds of ammunition.

A Norton Police Department sergeant recognized Gales while he was sitting on a sidewalk near the Norton, Va. Walmart and approached him in a marked patrol vehicle regarding outstanding warrants for probation violations. Gales resisted arrest and repeatedly attempted to reach into his right pocket despite commands to stop. During a search associated with the arrest, officers discovered the loaded pistol in Gales' right front pocket.

First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Anthony Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Washington Division, made the announcement. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives and the City of Norton Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States.