Jonathan Ruiz, Heroin and Fentanyl Distribution, Massachusetts

BOSTON – In a stunning turn of events, Dominican national Jonathan Ruiz has pleaded guilty to supplying deadly heroin and fentanyl in the Taunton area. The 33-year-old from Lawrence is one of several key figures accused in a massive drug ring that has been terrorizing southeastern Massachusetts.

Ruiz admitted to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distributing the lethal substances, according to federal court documents. Sentencing for Ruiz, who has already faced charges along with 25 others in April 2016, is yet to be scheduled by U.S. District Court Judge George A. O’Toole Jr.

The investigation into this trafficking ring began in earnest in 2013, when the region witnessed a dramatic rise in overdoses and related deaths. Ruiz’s role involved distributing narcotics from Lawrence to distributors in Taunton, Fall River, and beyond.

His co-defendants, Dedwin Cruz-Rivera, Manuel Romero-Gonsalez, and Eric Matos, have all faced charges, with many pleading guilty or already sentenced. The investigation has been a collaborative effort between local law enforcement and federal agencies, including the DEA’s New England Field Division.

The severity of Ruiz’s crime is underscored by the potential sentence: up to 20 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, and fines reaching $1 million. He will also be subject to deportation upon completion of his sentence. Sentences like these are imposed based on federal guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb and Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson of the DEA have led the charge against Ruiz and his associates, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas E. Kanwit, Karen Beausey, Katherine Ferguson, and Ann Taylor handling the prosecution.

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