James Ruth Sentenced

FORMER WOONSOCKET MAN SENTENCED FOR TRAFFICKING CRACK COCAINE ON THE STREETS OF WOONSOCKET

PROVIDENCE – A former Woonsocket man arrested by members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force during an investigation into the trafficking of drugs on the streets of Woonsocket was sentenced today to 77 months in federal prison.

James Ruth, 31, was arrested by members of the Safe Streets Task Force on July 2, 2019, following an investigation into his drug trafficking activities, including several electronically monitored sales of crack cocaine.

According to information presented to the court, four of the transactions took place between March 19 and April 30, 2019, during which time Ruth sold between 3.2 grams and 27.42 grams of crack cocaine in exchange for between $170 and $1,200.

Ruth pleaded guilty on October 22, 2019, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, and four counts of distribution of cocaine base.

Today, U.S. District Court Judge William E. Smith sentenced Ruth to 77 months imprisonment to be followed by 4 years’ supervised release, announced United States Attorney Aaron L. Weisman and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division Joseph R. Bonavolonta.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine D. Lowell and Sandra R. Hebert.