Rene Ruiz, a 24-year-old man, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his involvement in a series of burglaries and stolen vehicles in Colorado from 2020 to 2023. The Larimer County District Court Judge handed down one of the longest sentences secured by the Attorney General’s office in an organized motor vehicle theft case. Ruiz was connected to three major vehicle theft and burglary cases in state courts, with authorities describing him as a “high-level” member of auto theft and burglary crime rings in metro Denver.
According to court records, Ruiz and his accomplices stole at least 365 motor vehicles, along with catalytic converters and firearms, with an aggregate value exceeding $8.3 million. Ruiz also coordinated the sale of vehicles for illegal delivery out of the country, putting law enforcement officers in danger during his elusion of arrest. Despite the significant decrease in vehicle thefts statewide and in the Denver area, authorities are committed to protecting victims and communities from the impact of these crimes.
Attorney General Phil Weiser condemned auto thefts in Colorado and praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in investigating and dismantling major auto theft rings. The Attorney General’s office remains committed to addressing the issue of vehicle theft and its impact on communities, highlighting the complexity of these cases and their far-reaching consequences. Ruiz’s conviction serves as a warning to others involved in similar criminal activities, emphasizing the consequences and the dedication of law enforcement in addressing these crimes.
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