NORTHAMPTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A Springfield man has been sentenced to 16 to 18 years in state prison following his conviction on firearm and drug trafficking charges.
Michael Ruiz, 39, was convicted on January 21 by a Hampshire Superior Court jury of trafficking in 200+ grams of cocaine, trafficking in 10+ grams of fentanyl, and various firearm charges stemming from a 2023 motor vehicle stop on Route 202 in Pelham.
From the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office:
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 16-18 Years in State Prison Following Firearm and Drug Trafficking Convictions
NORTHAMPTON — A Springfield man has been sentenced to 16 to 18 years in state prison following his conviction on firearm and drug trafficking charges.
Michael Ruiz, 39, was convicted on January 21 by a Hampshire Superior Court jury of trafficking in 200+ grams of cocaine, trafficking in 10+ grams of fentanyl, and various firearm charges stemming from a 2023 motor vehicle stop on Route 202 in Pelham. During the stop, Massachusetts State Police discovered a loaded, high-capacity firearm and large quantities of narcotics.
On February 4, Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Trapani sentenced Ruiz to serve 16 to 18 years in state prison, which includes a 12-year mandatory minimum. Ruiz’s sentence was enhanced by his status as an Armed Career Criminal, due to having multiple prior convictions for crimes of violence and drug dealing, including a 2009 conviction in Hampden Superior Court for manslaughter.
The 16 to 18 year state prison sentence was jointly recommended by First Assistant District Attorney Steven E. Gagne, who prosecuted the case, and Springfield defense attorney Joe A. Smith, III, who represented Ruiz. Ruiz will receive 749 days of credit toward his sentence for the time he was held on bail awaiting trial.
