Gloversville man pleads guilty to drug trafficking and firearms crimes (DOJ)

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Angel Ruiz, age 30, of Gloversville, New York, pled guilty on July 14^th 2026 to drug trafficking and firearms crimes, including a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and to possessing firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement.

In pleading guilty, Ruiz admitted to his participation in a drug conspiracy from June 2020 to March 2021. He further admitted to selling cocaine out of a co-defendant's house where the drugs and multiple firearms were stored. The firearms were stored in a safe where the drugs were kept so that the defendant and his co-conspirator could access them to protect their drugs, drug proceeds and themselves, from potential robbers.

"Because of the outstanding work of the ATF, the Gloversville community is safer today," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. "This defendant chose to peddle narcotics on our streets and armed himself to protect that criminal trade, but that operation is over. He has been stopped, and now he faces the possibility of life in prison as a result of his actions."

ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo stated: "Drug trafficking and firearms are a dangerous combination that fuels violence and threatens the safety of our communities. This guilty plea demonstrates the effectiveness of strong partnerships and ATF's unwavering commitment to investigating those who use firearms to further criminal activity. We appreciate the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in bringing this case to a successful resolution."

Sentencing is scheduled for September 2^nd, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Frederick J. Scullin, Jr. Ruiz faces at least 5 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, and a supervised release term of at least 3 years and up to life, to begin after he finishes his prison term. A defendant's sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

ATF is investigating the case with assistance from the Gloversville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikayla Espinosa and Geoffrey J. L. Brown are prosecuting the case.