Repeat felon going back to prison on drug and gun charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Angel Ruiz, 47, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that in early 2024, law enforcement began targeting the use of the U.S. Postal Service by drug trafficking organizations to ship narcotics into the greater Buffalo area. During the week of October 20, 2024, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service identified two parcels being shipped from California, one destined for a Plymouth Avenue address, the other a Military Road address, both in Buffalo. Investigators determined that the parcels were likely intended for or related to Ruiz, who investigators had previously observed at the Plymouth Avenue address. After both parcels were delivered on October 24, 2024, investigators attempted a traffic stop of Ruiz’s vehicle, but he refused to yield. Investigators subsequently located the vehicle parked near Ruiz’s Ross Avenue residence. Ruiz was taken into custody as he exited his residence.

During a search of the residence, law enforcement found quantities of cocaine and fentanyl pills, and drug paraphernalia. In addition, a handgun with 15 rounds of ammunition was found inside a safe. In the backyard of the Ross Avenue residence, law enforcement located the two parcels that had been mailed to the Plymouth Avenue and Military Road addresses. One of the parcels contained approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and the other contained approximately one kilogram of heroin. Two cell phones were also recovered, which contained a video message sent to Ruiz stating that the parcels had arrived.

Ruiz was convicted of felony crimes in Erie County Court in June 1996, April 2004, February 2008, and June 2022. In addition, he was convicted of a felony crime in United States District Court for the Western District of New York in May 2017. As a result, Ruiz is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition.

The sentencing is of the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Inspector-in-Charge Ketty Larco-Ward, Boston Division.

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