(WWJ) A Chilean national will serve at least a decade behind bars after being found guilty for his role in a string of Oakland County home invasions in 2023.
Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias, 29, was convicted by jury in April on one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, and three counts of Conspiracy to Commit Second-degree home invasion.
On Monday, Judge Kwame Rowe of the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County sentenced him to 10 to 20 years in prison.
Speaking to WW's Jeremy Jenkins, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said he's hoping this will send a message to others who would consider committing similar crimes: "That is if you're traveling to America, and specifically Oakland County, to commit crimes, you'll be held very accountable — prosecuted, convicted, punished and then deported."
The break-ins took place in Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester, Rochester Hills in February of 2023 as part of what Bouchard has described as a pattern of "transnational gang members" coming into the U.S. with a plan to target homes in upscale communities.
"What stood out is it's clear that this is very organized, very targeted, and this individual didn't expect to be caught or punished," the sheriff said. "And, again, hopefully this sends a very clear message that both of those things did and will happen in the future."
According to the Michigan Attorney General's Office, these widely publicized and "highly orchestrated" home invasions Saldias participated in typically occurred when the homes were vacant, utilized techniques to thwart alarm systems, and employed extensive precautions to avoid personal identification on home security camera systems and by forensic analyses of crime scenes.
Losses from similar break-ins in recent years fitting this pattern measure in the millions of dollars, as money, jewelry, other high-value items, and safes have been stolen from affected properties.
“Our FORCE Team worked tirelessly in concert with a multi-jurisdictional task force to investigate and prosecute members of this highly organized criminal operation, which here led to a significant sentence,” AG Dana Nessel said, in a statement. “I applaud their dedication throughout this case and remain committed to working with our partners to protect Michigan residents, ensuring those who commit such brazen crimes are brought to justice.”
Ruiz-Saldias was charged while in custody at the Hamilton County Jail in Hamilton County, Indiana, where he was convicted on separate home invasion-related charges. Two more defendants are in custody in Ohio awaiting extradition to Oakland County to face charges here.
The AG said home invasions connected to this alleged crime ring continue throughout Southeast Michigan and the investigation remains ongoing.