NOTE: WNYNewsNow obtained the mugshot from the Cattaragus County Sheriff’s Office, the original arresting agency.
BUFFALO – A Buffalo man was charged in a five count indictment on Tuesday alleging that he discharged a firearm, killing a man, while trafficking cocaine and marijuana.
According to U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., 25 year-old Jaron Ruth was previously indicted by a Cattaraugus County, NY jury on a charge of Murder in the Second Degree for the murder of Henry Ackley. However, that indictment was dismissed on the motion by the Cattaraugus County District Attorney in deference to this federal prosecution. It is alleged that during a burglary and robbery of the victim’s home, Ackley was shot by Ruth in the chest, causing his death.
Federal authorities allege that Ruth was running a drug ring across parts of Western New York between 2010-2013.
“This Office and the entire Department of Justice has demonstrated a renewed commitment to apprehending and bringing violent criminals like Mr. Ruth to justice,” said United States Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr.
“No matter whether their crimes are committed in the inner city or in the most remote of rural areas, this Office is targeting those who commit violence anywhere in our District. Working together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, our message to those who do violence is simple—we will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you.”
The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Timothy Whitcomb; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; with additional assistance provided by the Cattaraugus County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of Lori Pettit Rieman.
Ruth was arraigned on Tuesday and detained pending a hearing Today.