After being released from state prison, Ruben Depina, a convicted felon, has been accused of contacting a law enforcement officer whom he believed was interested in buying drugs. The purpose of this contact was to arrange a drug deal involving fentanyl. As a result, Ruben Depina now faces one charge of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He is 23 years old and resides in Rockland.
The charging documents state that in May 2023, a law enforcement officer, who had previously worked undercover, reportedly received a phone call from Depina identifying himself as "Jake." According to the allegations, Depina informed the officer that he had recently been released from jail and was reaching out to his loyal customers because he was once again selling drugs. It is claimed that on or around May 16, 2023, Depina sold a minimum of 40 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating witness as part of an organized transaction.
Several weeks after the incident, on June 11th, 2023, authorities in the area claim to have witnessed the identical vehicle that Depina had utilized during the controlled purchase speeding through East Bridgewater. Allegedly, once law enforcement attempted to pull over the vehicle it sped away. During the pursuit, Depina's car collided with a van at an intersection.
According to reports, when authorities approached the car, Depina was seen reaching towards the floor on the passenger side before obeying instructions to show his hands. Depina was then quickly taken out of the vehicle through the window and apprehended. A search of his car supposedly uncovered a loaded gun, several cellphones, a digital scale, and a bag containing at least 20 grams of cocaine base.
A conviction for the possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intention to distribute carries a minimum prison sentence of five years, with a maximum sentence of 40 years. Additionally, there will be at least four years of supervised release and a fine that can reach up to $5 million. The duration and severity of the sentence are determined by federal district court judges who follow guidelines and statutes regulating sentencing in criminal cases.
The allegations stated in the charging documents should be regarded as mere details. In a court of law, the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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