Metro Woman Unhappy With Suspect’s Punishment After Protesters Vandalized Her Business

A metro business owner said she was not happy with the punishment a man received last week, after he was caught on video last year encouraging rioters to burn and vandalize her business.

Friday, April 30th 2021, 7:11 pm



-

A metro business owner said she was not happy with the punishment a man received last week, after he was caught on video last year encouraging rioters to burn and vandalize her business.

Carol Knight said to make matters worse, the suspect, Eric Ruffin believes he's the victim.

“Now he's the victim? No, he's not a victim,” said Knight.    

Despite video recordings, Eric Ruffin, the man believed to be behind the mask live streaming the destruction of CJ's Bail Bonds, claimed it's his world that was turned upside down.

Read: 'These Charges Have Literally Ruined My Life': OKC Protester Speaks Out After DA Drops Terrorism Charge

“I went to Walmart and people was yelling out that I’m a terrorist,” said Ruffin.

“The fear of thinking that everything you have is now gone, if that's not terror I don't know what is,” said Knight.

While the initial charge of terrorism was dropped, Ruffin pleaded guilty to third degree arson, but maintains his innocence.

“I didn't break anything, I didn't burn anything, I didn't tell anybody to do anything,” said Ruffin.

His claim doesn't sit well with Knight.

“We know he didn’t call police when they were smashing out my building. We know he didn’t call the fire department when they were trying to burn it to the ground,” said Knight.

He got a 3-year deferred sentence and will have to pay $5,000 in restitution fees for the damage -- that for Knight totals well over $10,000.

And well after those repairs are made Knight said she and her husband will continue to pay.

“We now have security. We have security patrol, we pay for that so that when they start up, hopefully they won’t be able to destroy the place,” said Knight. 

Isael Ortiz, Ruffin's co-defendant, who is charged with arson and terrorism waived his preliminary hearing and was bound over for trial.

He's expected to take a plea deal.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

April 30th, 2021

March 12th, 2024

March 7th, 2024

March 7th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024