Rochester Felon Convicted of Machinegun Possession & Drug Trafficking Faces Life

David L. Rivera-Ruiz arrested for possession of a machinegun and drug trafficking in Rochester, NY.Photo byStock Image

By Kristy Tallman, June 30, 2024

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—A federal jury has convicted David L. Rivera-Ruiz, 31, of multiple charges, including possession of a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The convictions carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas E. Gregory and Brandon Gonzalez, who prosecuted the case, revealed that on October 27, 2022, Rivera-Ruiz was found in possession of a machinegun—a 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with a conversion device—alongside additional firearms. Furthermore, Rivera-Ruiz was found with quantities of fentanyl and cocaine intended for sale. Rivera-Ruiz had a prior felony conviction for gun crimes in Camden County, New Jersey, from September 2016, making it illegal for him to possess firearms and ammunition.

The investigation leading to the conviction was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, headed by Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller of the New York Field Division, and the Rochester Police Department, led by Chief David Smith.

Sentencing for Rivera-Ruiz is scheduled for October 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. before Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, who presided over the trial.

By Kristy Tallman, June 30, 2024

The Republic News

Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of New York

If you have a news story you'd like shared, email kristyznews@gmail.com.

#FederalJury #RochesterNews #MachinegunPossession #DrugTrafficking #Fentanyl #Cocaine #GunCrimes #ATF #RochesterPolice #Sentencing #LawAndOrder #2ndAmendment #GunControl #2A #2ANews

4o