Crime Stoppers: Metolius abuse suspect sought after court no-show

Jefferson County authorities are seeking the public’s help in finding a Metolius man who was arrested last week on two abuse charges, then posted bail and was released before his indictment on eight more felony counts — then failed to show up for court.

The sheriff’s office initiated a sex abuse investigation in April of last year2015 involving Ignacio Ruiz-Silva, 36, said Madras Police Detective Sgt. Steve Webb.

They developed probable cause to arrest him on two counts of first-degree sodomy, Webb said, but the Metolius resident was on the move between this area, California and Mexico, which delayed his arrest until May 4 at a home in Metolius.

Ruiz-Silva appeared the next day in Jefferson County Circuit Court, where a judge set bail at $250,000. The following day, he posted 10 percent of that amount, pending a court appearance Thursday at 1 p.m. – a hearing he failed to show up for.

Since his arrest and release, a Jefferson County grand jury indicted Ruiz-Silva and a warrant was issued for an additional five counts of first-degree sodomy and three counts of first-degree criminal mistreatment. Bail for that warrant was set at $1 million, Webb said.

The new charges stem from the initial investigation and involve several victims, Webb said. More details were not released due to the ongoing investigation.

He’s described as an Hispanic male, 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. He was arrested last week driving a 2002 navy-blue Mitsubishi Montero SUV, Oregon license plate 902 HTK.

Webb said he last was seen in the Metolius area. “I just think there’s a good possibility he may be somewhere in the area,” the detective added.

Anyone who sees Ruiz-Silva or the vehicle is asked to contact police or Jefferson County dispatch at 541-475-2201, but not to approach him on their own.

You can also call the Crime-Stoppers Tip Line at 1-877-876-TIPS or use the form on the KTVZ.COM Crime Stoppers page. You can remain anonymous and you could be eligible for a cash reward.