spot_imgspot_img

Colorado judge sentences international car thief who stole hundreds of cars

spot_img

(The Center Square) – A Larimer County District Court judge sentenced Rene Ruiz to 24 years in state prison this week because of his role as a high-level member of criminal organizations that stole cars and committed many burglaries in Colorado from 2020 to 2023.

The 24-year-old had connections to three large motor vehicle theft and burglary cases filed in state courts in 2023, according to the Colorado Attorney General.

Ruiz facilitated the theft, plus the sale of these vehicles to private citizens, commercial dealerships, and automotive repair shops; this included sales outside of the country. He also committed burglaries of many businesses and ATMs.

Ruiz used complex programming devices to bypass anti-theft features on vehicles. During his thefts, Ruiz avoided law enforcement and put officers’ lives in danger, a release said.

In the three cases, the criminal organizations stole over 365 motor vehicles, plus recreational vehicles, catalytic converters, and firearms, with a value exceeding $8.3 million.

Ruiz pleaded guilty to many crimes in a global plea agreement with the attorney general’s office. Those crimes included: one count of racketeering under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (F2), first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft (F4), and theft of auto parts (F5) in the Larimer County case; plus one count each of first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft (F3) and second-degree burglary (F4) in one of the Adams County cases; and in a third case in Adams County, he pleaded guilty to an another count of violation of Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (F2), and first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft (F4).

The 24-year prison sentence provided is among the longest the attorney general’s office has secured in an organized motor vehicle theft case.

“In collaboration with law enforcement partners, we were able to investigate and break up three overlapping major auto theft rings that harmed many residents and businesses in Colorado,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said. “As this conviction illustrates, stolen cars are often used to commit other crimes and threaten communities. We are committed to protecting victims and communities from the scourge of vehicle thefts, and I am proud of our Auto Theft Unit’s work on these complex cases.”

The sentencing comes as motor vehicle thefts are down in Colorado this year, according to the Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force. There had been 28% fewer vehicle thefts in Colorado this year as of September 11 compared to last year at the same time. Similarly, there was a 30% drop in the Denver area.

“C-MATT detectives worked diligently with multiple partners to help investigate these COCCA cases,” Cmdr. John Pickard said.

The other defendants in this case are in law enforcement custody and are appearing in Adams County District Court and Larimer County District Court.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Corporate tax cut may have adverse effect on smaller, local businesses

(The Center Square) — The House Ways and Means...

Veterans watch Trump’s moves on pay, benefits, personnel

This Veterans Day, veterans from all backgrounds and political...

Louisiana ranked 40th in annual State Tax Competitiveness Index

(The Center Square) — The Tax Foundation conducts a...

The Big Trump Comeback 

(AURN News) — The Donald Trump political comeback will...

Cross-examination of former ComEd exec expected at Madigan corruption trial

(The Center Square) – The bribery and racketeering trial...

Pro-life group: Billionaire Pritzker’s national abortion push is about 2028 primary

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker launched...

Republicans inch closer to securing U.S. House majority

Republicans this weekend moved closer to securing a majority...

More like this
Related

Corporate tax cut may have adverse effect on smaller, local businesses

(The Center Square) — The House Ways and Means...

Veterans watch Trump’s moves on pay, benefits, personnel

This Veterans Day, veterans from all backgrounds and political...

Louisiana ranked 40th in annual State Tax Competitiveness Index

(The Center Square) — The Tax Foundation conducts a...

“It’s Not Rare If It Affects Your Child”: Prevention Strategies For Meningitis B

Meningitis B is a rare but deadly disease. At...