37 year-old Vincente Manuel Ruiz of Modesto, California, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. He was also ordered to pay a $4,000.00 fine.
Ruiz conspired to possess with intent to distribute heroin from August through December 2017. The investigation into Ruiz started after agents with the DEA executed a search warrant at Jermaine Newell’s property in Soso, Mississippi.
Agents located 951 grams of heroin in Newell’s possession. After Newell’s arrest, agents learned that he received the heroin from Ruiz. Agents had recorded phone calls in which Ruiz was heard discussing the heroin and set up a meeting to further the conspiracy. After the arrest of Ruiz, agents located two cell phones that showed Newell had previously sent packages of money to Ruiz in California.
On May 10th, 2018, Newell was also sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his involvement in the heroin conspiracy.