Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Hagatña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Reynaldo Kinjo Zialcita, age 53, was sentenced on February 12, 2025, to 87 months federal prison. He pled guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride with Intent to Distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and Drug User in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release following imprisonment, and a mandatory $200.00 special assessment fee. In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.
On November 16, 2023, Guam Police Department officers conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver, Reynaldo Kinjo Zialcita, was asked to produce his driver’s license. Zialcita then picked up a small bag on the passenger seat, put his hand in the bag, and turned his back to the officer to conceal it. Zialcita was ordered out of the car and then gave consent to search the bag for his license. The bag contained a glass jar with 249.6 grams of methamphetamine along with a loaded Sig Sauer P365 pistol. Zialcita admitted being a drug addict and said that he started selling methamphetamine in various game rooms during the COVID-19 pandemic. He bought the firearm to protect himself from being robbed of his drug proceeds. The firearm had previously been reported stolen in a March 2023 residential burglary.
“This case is another example of the danger faced by law enforcement during traffic stops,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “This type of prosecution not only prevented the distribution of a substantial quantity of drugs. It also reduced the risk of future gun-related violence. I commend GPD for its aggressive interdiction efforts.”
“Dealing drugs and possessing firearms is a losing, and very dangerous, combination,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “This sentence will give Mr. Zialcita time to reflect on his actions and hopefully change his lawless ways.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Guam Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Devarup Rastogi prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.