Leeds Woman Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Drug Conviction

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Leeds woman was sentenced today on drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and FBI Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Joannah Ruth Ruoho, 34, to 120 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ruoho pleaded guilty to the charge in September.  

According to the plea agreement, in February 2022, a Moody Police Department officer initiated a traffic stop on Ruoho.  Ruoho rolled down the window and the police officer could smell the odor of marijuana.  At the request of the police officer, Ruoho got out of the vehicle. The officer searched the vehicle and found a bag with methamphetamine inside it, two prepackaged cannabis bags containing methamphetamine, two clear plastic bags containing marijuana, a plastic bag containing mushrooms, and a glass pipe with narcotics residue on it.  The officer also found a loaded Taurus PT140 G2 40 SW pistol underneath the driver’s seat.

The FBI investigated the case, along with the Moody Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Byrd prosecuted the case.