Felon used sophisticated programming devices to steal from auto repair shops, dealerships and other businesses in Denver metro, Front Range and DIA
Denver—A Larimer County District Court judge has sentenced Rene Ruiz to 24 years in state prison on charges related to his involvement as a high-level member of criminal organizations that stole numerous vehicles and committed a series of burglaries in Colorado from 2020 to 2023.
Ruiz, 24, was connected to three major motor vehicle theft and burglary cases filed last year in state courts. Court records detail how Ruiz facilitated the theft and sale of vehicles from private citizens, commercial dealerships, and automotive repair shops, and committed burglaries of several businesses, including ATMs, from multiple locations in the Denver area, Front Range, and Denver International Airport (DIA).
He frequently used sophisticated programming devices to defeat anti-theft features on vehicles. The defendant also coordinated the sale of vehicles for their illegal delivery out of the country. During motor vehicle thefts, Ruiz also eluded law enforcement and placed officers in danger of serious injury.
Across the three cases, the criminal organizations are believed to have stolen at least 365 motor vehicles, as well as recreational vehicles, scores of catalytic converters, and firearms. The aggregate value of vehicles involved exceeds $8.3 million. The aggregate value of stolen catalytic converters is estimated to be between $53,000 to $78,000.
Prosecutors said the 24-year prison sentence handed down by the court is one of the longest the attorney general’s office has secured in an organized motor vehicle theft case.
This sentencing comes as motor vehicle thefts have dropped significantly statewide and in the Denver area so far this year, according to the latest data from the Colorado Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force, or C-MATT. Also see, State Rankings: Vehicle thefts surged nationwide in 2023
As of September 11, there were 17,164 vehicle thefts statewide in 2024 compared to 23,988 during the same time in 2023, a 28% decrease. There were 11,904 vehicle thefts in the Denver area in 2024 compared to 17,118 during the same in 2023, a 30% decrease. Vehicle thefts at DIA also are down significantly this year, with 242 thefts compared to 544 in 2023, a 55% decrease.
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