Local Crack Dealer Sent to Prison for More than a Decade

SAN ANGELO, TX- A San Angelo crack dealer has been sentenced to 15 years in a Texas prison.

According to court documents, on Sep. 21, 2022 at 9:30 a.m., Paul Anthony Ruiz, 35, of Houston, pleaded guilty to manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. In exchange for the guilty plea Ruiz was given 15 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division.

Ruiz was originally arrested for the offense back in December. At the time police had found that Ruiz had a warrant for intoxicated assault with a vehicle that caused serious bodily injury. During his arrest police found nearly an eighth of cocaine hidden inside his hoodie pocket. 

This is where he picked up another charge for possession of a controlled substance. Police then took Ruiz to the Tom Green County Detention Facility. While at the jail, Ruiz was asked to change into jail attire. 

During the outfit change correctional officers at the jail found a baggie with an ounce of methamphetamine hidden inside of Ruiz's underwear. He was then charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.

Ruiz has remained in the TGCDF since his original arrest and will be time credit for the days that he served.