A federal jury in Orlando, Florida, has found Billy Ruiz guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, as well as distribution and possession with intent to distribute the drug. The 46-year-old from California faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. His sentencing is set for April 8, 2025.
Ruiz was initially indicted on April 6, 2017. Following his indictment, he managed to evade law enforcement for several years before being arrested and arraigned in the Middle District of Florida on July 12, 2024.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Ruiz sold significant quantities of methamphetamine in March 2016 to a lower-level dealer for redistribution in central Florida. Operating from southern California with one or more co-conspirators, Ruiz shipped methamphetamine to Orlando via overnight delivery. The drugs were then repackaged and distributed throughout central Florida. The trial evidence showed that Ruiz sold two batches of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately two pounds.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lake Mary Police Department, and the Orlando Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Sowell and Chauncey Bratt are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF aims to identify, disrupt, and dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States through a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven multi-agency approach. More information about the OCDETF Program is available at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.