Bluffs Man Acquitted of Felony Charges in Sexual Assault Trial

Jury finds Justin Ruiz not guilty on all three felony counts after 90-minute deliberation.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 7:08pm

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A 33-year-old Scottsbluff, Nebraska man named Justin Ruiz was acquitted by a jury last week on all three felony charges related to an alleged June sexual assault, though he was found guilty of a misdemeanor domestic assault charge. Ruiz stood trial on counts of 1st Degree Sexual Assault, Use of a Deadly Weapon to Commit a Felony, and Terroristic Threats, but the jury took only about 90 minutes to clear him of the felony charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities and challenges of prosecuting sexual assault allegations, where the burden of proof is high and juries must weigh conflicting testimony and evidence. The outcome also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to balance victims' rights with defendants' rights to a fair trial.

The details

According to court records, the victim had claimed that Ruiz held a knife to her throat during the June incident and forced her to perform sexual acts, threatening to kill her if she didn't comply. However, after hearing the evidence presented at trial, the jury determined that the prosecution did not meet the high bar required to convict Ruiz on the felony charges. He was found guilty only of a misdemeanor 3rd Degree Domestic Assault Causing Bodily Injury.

  • The alleged sexual assault incident occurred in June.
  • Ruiz's trial took place in late March of 2026.
  • The jury deliberated for about 90 minutes before reaching their verdict.
  • Ruiz will be sentenced on May 15th for the misdemeanor conviction.

The players

Justin Ruiz

A 33-year-old man from Scottsbluff, Nebraska who was acquitted by a jury on felony charges related to an alleged June sexual assault, though he was found guilty of a misdemeanor domestic assault charge.

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What’s next

Ruiz will be sentenced on May 15th for the misdemeanor domestic assault conviction, where he could face up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

The takeaway

This case highlights the high bar prosecutors face in securing convictions for sexual assault, even when there are allegations of violence and threats involved. The jury's swift acquittal on the felony charges suggests they were not fully convinced by the evidence presented, underscoring the complexities of these types of cases and the need for continued examination of how the criminal justice system handles sexual assault allegations.