HARRISBURG, PA — A Harrisburg woman was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Judge Christopher C. Conner on December 20, 2023.
The defendant, Taisha Ruiz, 39, was found in possession of both a firearm and a significant quantity of fentanyl during a police search at her residence, United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam stated.
Harrisburg Police Officers, while executing a search warrant at Ruiz’s home, observed her throwing a bag from her bedroom window. The discarded bag contained approximately 600 bags of fentanyl, $900 in cash, and Ruiz’s Pennsylvania driver’s license.
A further search of Ruiz’s bedroom revealed a .9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, ammunition, and digital scales — tools commonly associated with drug dealing.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. Its high potency increases the risk of overdose, especially if a person who uses drugs is unaware that a powder or pill contains fentanyl. Thus, the possession and distribution of such a substance are treated seriously by law enforcement agencies.
The case was a collaborative effort between local and federal law enforcement agencies. The Harrisburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Johnny Baer and Bruce D. Brandler prosecuted the case.
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