U.S. Marshals are soliciting the public to help find a fugitive who’s been on the run for 23 years after his cousin spotted him at an L.A. Dodgers baseball game in 2016.
The man is believed to be John Ruffo, now 66, and is on the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted List for what they say is “one of the largest bank fraud scams in American history.”
Convicted and sentenced in 1998 for $350 million in bank fraud, Ruffo posted a $10 million bond and never showed for the start of his 210-month (17.5-year) sentence. He allegedly fled with $13 million, leaving his rental car behind in the long-term parking at NYC’s JFK airport.
He was last officially sighted making a withdrawal from a New York City ATM on November 9, 1998.
So when his cousin, Carmine Pascale, spotted him while casually watching a Dodgers game on August 5, 2016, he didn’t hesitate to contact the U.S. Marshals.
“I’m watching, and right behind home plate, they did a close up of the batter, and there’s Johnny. And I said, ‘Holy Christ, there he is,’ “Pascale said. “And I immediately called the Marshals. I froze the frame, kept it right in front of me.”
Marshals confirmed the seat number as Section 1 Dugout Club, Row E.E., Seat 10. Their investigation into the ticket purchaser was dead as the original purchaser sold the ticket without a paper trail. It then passed through several hands with no one having information on the man who actually attended the game.
They are hoping someone comes forward with information that results in Ruffo’s capture. Wanted posters have been translated into seven languages as it is highly likely Ruffo is not in America due to his international ties.
They describe Ruffo as standing “5 feet 5 inches and weighed approximately 170 pounds” in 1998. “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.”
A $25,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the capture of Ruffo. Anyone with information should contact the nearest USMS District Office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip using USMS Tips.
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