Reno Man Sentenced As Habitual Criminal

District Attorney's Office Announces Man Sentenced as Habitual Criminal

September 30, 2015
Reno, Nevada

Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks announced today the sentencing of a Reno man as a habitual criminal following a recent conviction on drug trafficking and sales charges. The District Attorney’s Office had sought sentencing as a habitual criminal in this case due to the defendant’s lengthy criminal record, which includes his most recent convictions after a week-long jury trial that took place earlier this year.  

Ronald Joseph Ruetten, 53, (DOB 2/17/62) from Reno was found guilty on May 22, 2015 of two counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and one count each of Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale, Maintaining A Place for the Purpose of Selling or Using a Controlled Substance and Ex-Felon in Possession of an Electronic Stun Device.  The case against Ruetten began on October 30, 2014 when a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of over 8 grams of methamphetamine, paraphernalia and other drugs in the vehicle.  A subsequent investigation by the Reno Police Department led to a search of Ruetten’s motel room where an additional 19 grams of methamphetamine was located.

Prior to trial, the District Attorney’s Office filed a notice to the court that it would be seeking sentencing of Ruetten as a habitual criminal if he was found guilty of the current charges. This decision was based on the defendant having a record of five prior felony convictions over the last 15 years, ranging from narcotics possession and sales to ID theft.  Ruetten’s entire history included crimes of opportunity and more sophisticated, multiple victim criminal schemes. Victims in his previous crimes included an 81 year old elderly couple and a US forest service worker who were victims of identity theft.

Ruetten was sentenced to a term of life in prison on September 25, 2015 by District Court Judge Lynne Simons, with parole eligibility beginning after 10 years has been served.