Russell Lynn Ruble, 54, had been designated as power of attorney with fiduciary authority over all of the financial accounts of his elderly uncle and aunt. Detectives say Ruble used that authority to transfer funds totaling in excess of $320,000.
Back in February 2008, Detective R. Williams of the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office was assigned this theft case. Over the course of the investigation, Det. Williams recently learned Ruble was hiding in Panama.
On Thursday, March 26, 2009, Det. Williams and an FBI agent traveled to Panama. Ruble had resided in Panama for approximately 18 months after fleeing the United States to avoid prosecution. Panamanian officials learned Ruble had made false statements on his Visa application, and with pending criminal charges in the United States, they expelled Ruble from Panama. Det. Williams and the FBI agent escorted Ruble back to the US where he was ultimately arrested upon his arrival in Houston.
Ruble has been incarcerated in the Fort Bend County Jail on charges of misapplication of fiduciary property -- a first degree felony. He's being held on $5 million bond. He also faces charges of conspiracy to commit theft, money laundering and theft.
This case has already been before a Grand Jury where an indictment was issued and is pending trial in the 268th District Court.
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