Austin Zachary Ruiz, Racketeering, Iowa 2023

Gang Leader Sentenced to 202 Months in Prison

Austin Zachary Ruiz, a 28-year-old Davenport man, was sentenced to 202 months in federal prison on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, for his role in a racketeering prosecution. Ruiz, a member of the Savage Life Boys (SLB) street gang, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Ruiz's crimes date back to 2016 and 2017, when he was involved in multiple shootings as a member of the SLB. In December 2016, Ruiz and other SLB members robbed and physically assaulted another male at a dice game in Davenport. Ruiz chased the victim, firing numerous rounds at the vehicle in which he fled, leaving the victim and the driver with injuries.

In January 2017, Ruiz and co-defendants Dimetri Smith and Olajuwan Culbreath were involved in a shooting at the NorthPark Mall. Ruiz and Smith chased a rival gang member through the mall parking lot, shooting at him. In February 2017, Culbreath and co-defendants Smith, Darion Gardner, Najawaun Quinn, and other SLB members started an altercation at a concert at the Hotel Davenport. During the altercation, Gardner shot and killed one male and injured another.

Ruiz and Culbreath committed these acts with the intent to maintain or increase their position in the gang. Following their prison terms, both Ruiz and Culbreath must each serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

Co-defendants Quinn and Smith are scheduled to be sentenced on August 8, 2023, after a federal jury convicted them of racketeering-related charges. In December 2022, Gardner was sentenced to 450 months in prison. The Davenport Police Department investigated the case, with the assistance of federal prosecutors.

Davenport Police Assistant Chief Major Jamie Brown praised the collaboration and commitment to keeping the community safe. 'The hard work and dedication of our officers, investigators, and federal prosecutors delivered justice for those impacted by these violent crimes,' Brown said.

Austin Zachary Ruiz, 28, of Davenport, IA, was sentenced to 202 months in federal prison for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Defendant: Austin Zachary Ruiz

Criminal Charges: Assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering and use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence

City and State: Davenport, IA

Exact Date: April 25, 2023

Sentence: 202 months in federal prison

Supervised Release: 5 years

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia/pr/savage-life-gang-members-sentenced-racketeering-charges