A man spotted sitting behind home plate at a 2016 Dodger game just may be a fugitive on the “15 Most Wanted” list who has been on the run for more than two decades, the U.S. Marshals Service said.
John Ruffo, who by now would be 66, has been on the run since November 1998.
Ruffo, who has been called a “master manipulator,” was convicted in the late 90s of $350 million worth of bank fraud — one of the largest bank fraud schemes in history, the service said.
He was set to begin a 210-month sentence at a federal prison in New Jersey on Nov. 9, 1998 but he never showed up.
Investigators tracked his last movements before his disappearance to John F. Kennedy International Airport where he was spotted on an ATM video withdrawing money. A rental car he was believed to have been using was parked there as well.
U.S. Marshals John Ruffo who has been on the run for decades was last seen on an ATM video — until a possible sighting at a Dodger game in 2016, the U.S. Marshals Service said.
The ATM image was the last confirmed sighting of Ruffo — until 2016.
A tip came in September of 2016 saying Ruffo was spotted sitting behind home plate at a Dodgers baseball game against Boston Red Sox on Aug. 5, 2016.
Investigators believe the man, who strongly resembles Ruffo, was sitting in Section 1 Dugout Club, Row EE, Seat 10. Investigators know who bought the ticket, but haven’t identified the man who sat in the seat.
The U.S. Marshals Service now wants the public’s help in identifying the man in the blue shirt in Seat 10 after releasing images Oct. 5 of the ball game.
U.S. Marshals Service Investigators hope to identify the man in the blue shirt seen in Section 1 Dugout Club, Row EE, Seat 10 at the Aug. 5, 2016, game.
Because of his time as a businessman, Ruffo is thought to have many international connections and to be living outside of the United States.
Decades ago, he was described as 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.
“He is known to be computer savvy and enjoys fine wines, gambling, and nice hotels. He is reportedly lactose-intolerant. Ruffo was known to be a storyteller, someone who liked to stretch the truth, and had a desire to impress others. He has been called a master manipulator,” the service said.
The service is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to Ruffo’s arrest. Contact 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.
