Former Fugitive Found Guilty At Trial Of Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine

Orlando, Florida - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Billy Ruiz (46, California) guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ruiz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.

Ruiz was indicted on April 6, 2017. After his indictment, Ruiz evaded law enforcement for years, but he was ultimately arrested, then arraigned in the Middle District of Florida on July 12, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, Ruiz sold large amounts of methamphetamine in March 2016 to a lower-level drug dealer for redistribution in central Florida. Ruiz operated out of southern California and, along with one or more co-conspirators, shipped methamphetamine to Orlando by overnight delivery. The methamphetamine was then repackaged and distributed in central Florida. The evidence presented at trial showed that Ruiz sold two batches of methamphetamine, each of which weighed approximately two pounds.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lake Mary Police Department, and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Sowell and Chauncey Bratt.