ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – In a disturbing case of narcotics trafficking, Margarito Ruiz, 36, was handed a 120-month prison sentence followed by four years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine. This is the 48th defendant to be sentenced in connection with a federal investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) aimed at tackling drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes in Bernalillo County.
According to the indictment, Ruiz committed the offenses in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, on May 23, 2016, and May 25, 2016. On May 23, 2016, Ruiz distributed approximately two ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent. Ruiz was previously prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and shoplifting.
Ruiz was arrested in January 2017, on an indictment charging him with distributing methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On July 6, 2017, Ruiz pleaded guilty to a methamphetamine trafficking charge. This case was investigated by the Albuquerque office of the ATF and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eva Fontanez.
As of now, 80 of the 103 defendants charged as a result of this investigation have entered guilty pleas, and 48 have been sentenced. Twenty defendants have entered not guilty pleas to the charges against them, and charges in indictments are merely accusations. Two defendants are fugitives, and the charges against two defendants have been dismissed.
The investigation was part of a federal anti-violence initiative targeting ‘the worst of the worst’ offenders for federal prosecution. This initiative collaborates with New Mexico’s District Attorneys and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to target violent or repeat offenders for federal prosecution based on their prior criminal convictions.
With this sentence, Ruiz will spend 10 years behind bars and undergo four years of supervised release after serving his prison term. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and firearms-related crimes in New Mexico.
Margarito Ruiz, Defendant/Respondent Full Name: Margarito Ruiz; Exact Criminal Charges: distributing methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm; City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Exact Date: May 23, 2016; Sentence or Outcome: 120 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release; Defendant/Respondent Type: Individual.
This article is part of our ongoing coverage of drug trafficking cases across the United States. If you suspect narcotics-related activity in your area, please contact your local authorities or law enforcement agency.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking