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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Nov. 20, 2008
TEXAS-TO-KANSAS MARIJUANA TRUCKING OPERATION SENDS MAN TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR 5+ YEARS
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Silverio Ruiz, 23, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for his role in a trafficking operation that smuggled marijuana in semi-trailer trucks from El Paso, Texas, to Kansas City, Kan., Acting U.S. Attorney Marietta Parker announced Thursday.
Ruiz pleaded guilty in August to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. In his plea, he admitted that he and co-defendants handled more than 6,000 pounds of marijuana while they were engaged in a drug trafficking conspiracy that began in April 2005.
In his plea, Ruiz admitted he was arrested Aug. 16, 2007, in Kansas City, Kan., with a bundle of marijuana. Ruiz was taken into custody following a foot chase.
The investigation began in December 2006 when a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper intercepted a stolen truck carrying more than 600 pounds of marijuana near Kansas City, Kan. In August, 2007, another truck was intercepted carrying more than 600 pounds of marijuana. Officers arranged for some of the marijuana to reach its destination in Kansas City, Kan., where co-defendant Alton Nickles was arrested when he attempted to pick it up.
Officers then arranged for some of the marijuana to be delivered to Ruiz in Kansas City, Kan. Ruiz was arrested when he attempted to pick it up.
Also charged in the case are:
Alton Nickles, 40, Overland Park, Kan., who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana. He is set for sentencing in February 2009.
Jorge Belisario-Ruiz, 32, who is scheduled for a jury trial Jan. 21, 2009.
Parker commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hendershot for their work on the case.
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