Stolen property investigation leads to narcotics, firearms arrest

Published 11:56 am Monday, August 12, 2024

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On Aug. 7, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division detectives were contacted by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives regarding stolen property in Destrehan.

JPSO detectives were investigating a burglary and learned that the suspect had ties to St. Charles Parish and was in possession of a stolen motorcycle.

Detectives from both parishes went to a residence in the 300 Block of Rosedale Drive in Destrehan to speak with the suspect. While doing so, they spotted 31-year-old Richard Ruffino II driving the stolen motorcycle in the 400 Block of Rosedale Drive. Detectives were able to stop Ruffino, and while taking him into custody, a firearm and illicit narcotics were located on him.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence, and during the execution of the search warrant, they located an additional firearm, additional illicit narcotics, and body armor with
protective plates.

In all, detectives seized the following items throughout the investigation: Smith & Wesson
5.7x28mm handgun; Wilson Combat 9mm handgun; 12.2 grams of Marijuana; 93 pills-legend
drug; 18.6 grams of Methamphetamine; 9.4 grams of Adderall; Body armor with protective
plates.

Ruffino was transported to the Nelson Coleman Correctional Center and charged with illegal possession of stolen things (motorcycle); possession of a firearm-carrying concealed weapon by a convicted felon; unlawful use of body armor; sale, distribution, or possession of a legend drug without prescription or order-prohibited; possession of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute amphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.