Yesterday, Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias, a Chilean national, was found guilty by an Oakland County jury in the 6th Circuit Court for his involvement in a series of home invasions. The invasions targeted affluent homes in Oakland, Wayne, and Kent Counties. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that the 29-year-old Ruiz-Saldias was convicted of one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a charge carrying a sentence of up to 20 years, and three counts of conspiracy to commit second-degree home invasion, each with a potential 15-year sentence, related to crimes in February 2023.
The home invasions were marked by sophisticated planning and execution. They typically occurred when the targeted properties were empty, involved circumventing alarm systems, and took precautions to minimize the risk of identification via security cameras and forensic evidence. Similar break-ins have resulted in losses amounting to millions, with items such as money, jewelry, and safes stolen.
“These home invasions were not random – they were deliberate, highly organized, and had a significant impact on the families and communities involved,” said Attorney General Nessel. “I am grateful to the jury, as well as the FORCE Team and task force who made this conviction possible. We will continue to work together to protect Michigan residents and hold accountable any individuals connected to these sophisticated criminal enterprises.”
Ruiz-Saldias was charged while incarcerated in the Hamilton County Jail in Indiana for other home invasion-related offenses. The ongoing investigation into the crime ring, which has continued to perpetrate home invasions across Southeast Michigan, is being conducted by the Department of Attorney General in collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the state.
The investigation leading to Ruiz-Saldias's conviction was carried out by a task force formed by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and included the Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Shelbyville (Indiana), Carmel (IN), Grosse Pointe Farms Department of Public Safety, and Kent County Sheriff’s Department. Sentencing is set for June 16th.
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