Ryan Wesley Routh, the 58-year-old man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump, has amassed an extensive criminal record spanning decades. Despite facing numerous charges for both felonies and misdemeanors, Routh appears to have avoided serving prison time, raising questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in dealing with repeat offenders.
Ryan Wesley Routh’s rap sheet includes a wide range of offenses, from felony larceny to hit-and-run incidents. Perhaps most alarmingly, he was once charged with brandishing a weapon of mass destruction – specifically, a machine gun. This pattern of criminal behavior, coupled with his apparent ability to evade incarceration, paints a troubling picture of a man who has repeatedly flouted the law without facing severe consequences.
A History of Legal Troubles and Financial Woes Of Ryan Wesley Routh
In addition to his criminal activities, Ryan Wesley Routh has faced numerous civil suits throughout his life. These legal actions stem from his failure to pay taxes, keep up with rent payments, and repay debts. The sheer volume of civil cases against Ryan Wesley Routh reveals a chronic pattern of financial irresponsibility and disregard for legal obligations.
One particularly significant incident occurred in December 2002, when Ryan Wesley Routh fled a traffic stop and barricaded himself inside his roofing company’s premises with a fully automatic weapon. After a three-hour standoff, he surrendered and faced multiple charges, including possession of a weapon of mass destruction. Despite pleading guilty and receiving a sentence of at least 15 months in prison and 60 months of probation, records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction suggest that Routh never actually served time behind bars for this offense.
A Long List of Convictions and Arrests
Ryan Wesley Routh’s criminal history dates back to at least 1989, with convictions for possessing stolen goods, carrying a concealed weapon, and possessing a stolen vehicle. These more serious offenses are accompanied by a litany of misdemeanor arrests, including charges for writing bad checks, possession of controlled substances, and various traffic violations such as speeding and driving without a license.
The frequency and diversity of Wesley Routh’s criminal activities paint a picture of a man who has consistently operated outside the bounds of the law. His ability to avoid substantial prison time, despite this extensive record, raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in dealing with repeat offenders and protecting public safety.
Financial Troubles and Civil Suits
Beyond his criminal activities, Ryan Wesley Routh has been embroiled in numerous financial disputes and civil lawsuits. In 2008, he was ordered to pay nearly $32,000 in back taxes to the IRS, highlighting his issues with tax compliance. Additionally, banks, businesses, and landlords have pursued legal action against Ryan Wesley Routh and his roofing company in Guilford County, his place of origin.
The total amount of liens, judgments, and small claims against Ryan Wesley Routh exceeds $160,000, according to state records. This substantial sum underscores the extent of his financial troubles and his apparent inability or unwillingness to meet his financial obligations. The combination of criminal charges and civil suits paints a picture of a man whose life has been characterized by legal and financial chaos.
The Alleged Assassination Attempt and Its Aftermath
On Sunday, Ryan Wesley Routh’s troubled past culminated in an alleged attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Authorities accuse Ryan Wesley Routh of pointing an AK-47 through a fence at Trump, who was playing golf at the time. The former president was unharmed and quickly moved to safety by Secret Service agents.
Following his arrest, Ryan Wesley Routh appeared in federal court on Monday, facing charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. The hearing, which lasted only eight minutes, saw Routh smiling and laughing, a demeanor that seemed at odds with the gravity of the charges against him. This behavior, coupled with his extensive criminal history, has raised concerns about Ryan Wesley Routh’s mental state and the potential dangers posed by individuals with long-standing patterns of criminal behavior.
