DENVER, CO – A Larimer County District Court judge today 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. 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.
In a global plea agreement with the attorney general’s office, Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count each of racketeering under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (F2), first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft (F4), and theft of auto parts (F5) in the Larimer County case, in addition to one count each of first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft (F3) and second-degree burglary (F4) in one of the Adams County cases. In the third case prosecuted by the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Adams County, Ruiz pleaded guilty to an additional count of violation of Colorado Organized Crime Control Act (F2), and first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft (F4).
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.
“In collaboration with law enforcement partners, we were able to investigate and break up three overlapping major auto theft rings that harmed many residents and businesses in Colorado. As this conviction illustrates, stolen cars are often used to commit other crimes and threaten communities. We are committed to protecting victims and communities from the scourge of vehicle thefts, and I am proud of our Auto Theft Unit’s work on these complex cases,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said.
“Motor vehicle theft impacts communities all across our state and can have massive repercussions on our residents, impacting victims' ability to get to work, drop their kids off at school, or get to medical services. We are proud we could collaborate with the attorney general’s office and law enforcement to hold motor vehicle thieves accountable and prevent additional crimes committed with stolen vehicles,” said District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin of the Eighth Judicial District, Larimer and Jackson Counties.
“This defendant engaged in high level criminal acts across the metro area and has now been held accountable,” said District Attorney Brian Mason of the 17th Judicial District, Adams and Broomfield Counties. “Motor vehicle theft has long lasting, serious impacts on victims and, as these cases prove, we’re doing something about it. Indeed, because of collaboration and vigorous prosecutions such as these, motor vehicle thefts are finally coming down. I’m proud to join Attorney General Weiser and our other partners in addressing the serious problem of motor vehicle theft in Colorado.”
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. 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.
“C-MATT detectives worked diligently with multiple partners to help investigate these COCCA cases. The cooperative nature of all the entities involved and the common goal of impacting the auto theft problem in the metropolitan area were very evident. The Denver metro area is blessed with a truly unique culture of collaboration and these cases have demonstrated just how effective these partnerships can be,” said Cmdr. John Pickard.
The indictments and prosecution were made possible due to the partnership between the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit, the Eighth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Westminster Police Department, Fort Collins Police Services, C-MATT, and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority.
“The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) would like to celebrate these collaborative efforts that achieved this successful outcome. Through successful partnerships between local law enforcement agencies, widespread prolific auto theft rings and cases can, and will, continue to be brought to justice,” according to CATPA.
Numerous law enforcement agencies investigated the hundreds of incidents that were combined in these comprehensive indictments. The Town of Vail Police Department, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Windsor Police Department, and the Town of Dillon Police Department provided critical investigative support to the Larimer County case. The Broomfield Police Department, the Arvada Police Department, and the Lakewood Police Department all contributed significant resources to the Adams County cases.
“The Westminster Police Department is committed to collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to provide a safer community, reduce crime, and hold those who violate the law accountable. These partnerships resulted in the conviction of an individual belonging to a crime ring that victimized both our community and the greater metropolitan area. Always stay alert and report suspicious activity to the police department. Together, we make a difference. Our entire department is working diligently to provide a safer community for all of Westminster residents, businesses, and those visiting our city,” said Westminster Chief of Police Norm Haubert.
Other defendants are in custody and appearing in Adams County District Court and Larimer County District Court.
A grand jury indictment is a formal accusation that an individual committed a crime under Colorado laws. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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