Chilean National Convicted in Oakland County Home Invasions

LANSING – Yesterday, a Chilean national was convicted by an Oakland County jury in the 6th Circuit Court for committing a string of home invasions targeting affluent homes throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Kent Counties, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias, 29, was found guilty of one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony, and three counts of Conspiracy to Commit Second-Degree Home Invasion, a 15-year felony, for his role in home invasions taking place in February of 2023 in Ada Township, Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester, and Rochester Hills. 

The widely publicized and highly orchestrated home invasions Saldias participated in typically occurred when the homes were vacant, utilized techniques to thwart alarm systems, and employed extensive precautions to avoid personal identification on home security camera systems and by forensic analyses of crime scenes. Losses from similar break-ins in recent years fitting this pattern measure in the millions of dollars, as money, jewelry, other high-value items, and safes have been stolen from affected properties.

“These home invasions were not random – they were deliberate, highly organized, and had a significant impact on the families and communities involved,” Nessel said. “I am grateful to the jury, as well as the FORCE Team and task force who made this conviction possible. We will continue to work together to protect Michigan residents and hold accountable any individuals connected to these sophisticated criminal enterprises.”  

Ruiz-Saldias was charged while in custody at the Hamilton County Jail in Hamilton County, Indiana, where he was convicted on separate home invasion-related charges.

Home invasions connected to this alleged crime ring continue throughout Southeast Michigan and the Department of Attorney General’s investigation, in partnership with law enforcement partners throughout the State, remains ongoing. The investigation that ultimately led to this conviction of Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias was conducted by a task force established by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and specifically, in addition to the Attorney General’s FORCE Team, the police departments of Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Shelbyville (Indiana), Carmel (IN), the Grosse Pointe Farms Department of Public Safety, and the Kent County Sheriff’s Department. 

Sentencing for Ruiz-Saldias is scheduled for June 16th.