Judge dismisses weapons charges

VERNAL — A judge has dismissed a felony weapons charge against a Uintah County sheriff's corrections deputy, citing a lack of probable cause.

Cpl. Denile Gale, 42, was charged in April as an accessory with one count of possession of a firearm by a restricted person, a third-degree felony.

Vernal Police Chief Gary Jensen said his officers were called in February to investigate a roving fight involving Gale's son, Brandon Gale.

At some point, Brandon Gale, 21, produced a 9mm handgun, loaded it and brandished it, according to court records. Gale told officers the gun belonged to his father. However, Jensen said Brandon was restricted from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction. The chief added that investigators did not believe Gale had the gun without his father's knowledge or permission.

But Judge Robert P. Faust stated prosecutors hadn't presented "any evidence that it is probable that (Denile) Gale provided the weapon" and said "there was information that the weapon was taken by his son without his knowledge or consent."

Denile Gale has returned to full duty with the sheriff's office; however, Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training spokesman Cameron Roden said investigators with that agency are looking into the case.

— Geoff Liesik