Released from prison earlier this year, Ruben Depina, 23, has been charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Massachusetts, Depina allegedly made contact with a law enforcement officer, whom he believed was a drug customer, shortly after being released from prison.
The charges against Depina stem from various encounters with law enforcement following his release. In May 2023, an undercover officer received a call from Depina, introducing himself as "Jake" and offering drugs for sale after informing the officer of his recent release from jail. Further, Depina allegedly sold at least 40 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness during a controlled purchase in East Bridgewater according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Massachusetts.
Depina's pursuit of his former practices eventually led to a high-speed chase on June 11, 2023, when local law enforcement observed his vehicle speeding. After a harrowing chase, Depina's vehicle collided with a van at an intersection. When law enforcement approached the wreckage, they discovered a loaded firearm, multiple cellphones, a digital scale, and at least 20 grams of cocaine base in Depina's possession. He was promptly arrested and now faces the potential consequences of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute: at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $5 million.
