(WNY News Now) – Rochester, NY — A federal jury has convicted David L. Rivera-Ruiz, 31, of multiple serious offenses, including possession of a machine gun in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years in prison, with a potential maximum of life imprisonment.
David L. Rivera-Ruiz was found guilty of several charges: possession of a machine gun, 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.
On October 27, 2022, Rivera-Ruiz was discovered with a machine gun, specifically a 9mm semiautomatic pistol equipped with a conversion device, along with additional firearms. He also had significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine intended for distribution. Previously, in September 2016, Rivera-Ruiz had been convicted of felon gun crimes in Camden County, New Jersey, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms and ammunition.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Rochester Police Department. Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller of the New York Field Division and Rochester Police Chief David Smith played pivotal roles in the case.
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.
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