This browser does not support the Video element.
Oakland County sheriff warns that international gangs responsible for new wave of break-ins
Residents in Oakland County being told to be on the look-out after a series of home break-ins in just the last week.
(FOX 2) - A 29-year-old man from Chile was sentenced to years in prison in connection with a flurry of home invasions in multiple Michigan counties in 2023.
Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias was found guilty by a jury in April on several criminal counts, including conducting a criminal enterprise.
Big picture view:
Ruiz-Saldias will spend between 10 and 20 years in prison for robbing homes in Oakland, Wayne, and Kent counties.
His conviction follows a string of break-ins at affluent homes that Sheriff Michael Bouchard had warned the public about two years earlier. He said the home invasions were tied to gangs of Chilean nationals using high-tech equipment like security system jammers to steal valuables undetected.
They happened in Ada Township, Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester, and Rochester Hills.
Ruiz-Saldias was sentenced in the 6th Circuit Court on Monday.
Dig deeper:
The 29-year-old was convicted in April on counts of conducting a criminal enterprise and three counts of conspiracy to commit second-degree home invasion.
He was originally arrested during a separate home invasion in Indiana and was charged while in custody in Hamilton County. He was also convicted for related charges in that state.
The break-ins in Indiana were similar to the invasions reported in Michigan, following a familiar pattern of targeting vacant homes and extensive precautions to ensure no suspicions were aroused during the robbery.
The thieves often looked for jewelry, money, and other high-value items that could be carried.
Oakland County sheriff: Crime ring hitting high-end neighborhoods is growing
Police have been recovering various equipment from the criminals – such as camouflaged cameras, Wi-Fi and signal jammers, and spy gear. They are shutting down security systems, especially if they are wireless.
What they're saying:
"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," Nessel said. "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."
The investigation remains ongoing, the Michigan Attorney General said.
The Source: Previous reporting and a press release from the Michigan Attorney General were cited for this story.