South Bend Man Sentenced to 262 Months in Prison

SOUTH BEND – On January 21, 2026, Santiago Ortiz-Ruvalcaba, 30 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to five counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.

Ortiz-Ruvalcaba was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents in the case, Ortiz-Ruvalcaba sold methamphetamine to buyers on five occasions from November 2023 to January 2025. During one of the sales, Ortiz-Ruvalcaba also sold fentanyl and two firearms. During a search of Ortiz-Ruvalcaba’s house, police found a scale for weighing drugs, baggies, ammunition, and a handgun. Ortiz-Ruvalcaba has associations with the Latin Kings gang and multiple prior felony convictions.

“Ortiz-Ruvalcaba trafficked both drugs and guns—an extremely dangerous mix,” said United States Attorney Mildred. “The sentence imposed today sends a clear message: The scourges of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and violence are not welcome in our community, and criminals like Ortiz-Ruvalcaba will be brought to justice.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Indiana State Police, the St. Joseph County Police Department, the Mishawaka Police Department, and the Pokagon Tribal Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander and Acting Criminal Division Chief Joseph P. Falvey.