Federal Jury Convicts Wilson Man of Drug Possession

NEW BERN – United States Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr. announced that, BONDURANT AKEEM RUFFIN, 34, of Wilson, NC, was convicted in federal court following a three day jury trial before United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan.  The jury found RUFFIN guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base (crack). 

According to the evidence presented at trial, on November 24, 2016, the Wilson Police Department began investigating a vehicle break-in.  They utilized a canine to track the vehicle break-in suspect which led them to RUFFIN who was standing near a handicap ramp at a home.  Officers observed a bag underneath the handicap ramp near to where RUFFIN was standing.  The bag contained 879 grams of powder cocaine and 74 grams of cocaine base (crack).  This bag also contained a digital scale, a spoon and packaging materials.  At the time of his arrest, RUFFIN possessed over $2,000 in U.S. currency.

Investigation of this case was conducted by the Wilson Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Dena King and Special Assistant United States Attorney James Saunders represented the government.  Mr. Saunders is a prosecutor with the Prosecutorial District 3-A District Attorney’s Office encompassing Pitt County.  District Attorney Kimberly Robb has assigned him to the United States Attorney’s Office to prosecute federal Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force criminal matters.