NEWARK

— A former Essex County Sheriff's officer was sentenced today to three years in prison for stealing $70 from an apartment he and his canine partner had been searching for drugs.

George Ruiz, a 12-year veteran of the department, was called to an Irvington apartment building on March 3, 2011, to help execute a search warrant when he took the money, prosecutors say.

Before he arrived at the scene, two officers had searched the bedroom and found $70 in cash (three $10 bills and two $20 bills), said Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Timothy Shaughnessy, who prosecuted the case.

Ruiz and the canine conducted a closed-door search for drugs and then left. When the officers re-entered the room, after Ruiz' search, they discovered the money missing, according to trial testimony. All officers on scene were asked to empty their pockets and the money was found in Ruiz' possession.

As sheriff's officers brought Ruiz — shackled and dressed in a green prison-issued uniform — into the courtroom, his wife, Cindy Ruiz, began to weep.

She gave a tearful plea to the judge for leniency. Ruiz was convicted of official misconduct, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three to five years in prison. He must serve two years before he will be eligible for parole.

"This has been a nightmare for my husband and I ... This destroyed his life. It took everything," Cindy Ruiz said. "My son saw his father as a police officer, now he visits him in jail. For my two daughters, the man in their life who was teaching them to drive, helping them with college applications, is gone."

Cindy Ruiz said her husband's canine partner sits by the door every night waiting for him to come home.

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Ruiz also addressed the court, removing his glasses to wipe away tears that welled up listening to his wife's statement.

He said he could rebuild his life but never reclaim his dignity.

"Fifteen years ago, I took an oath of office to protect and serve. I had the opportunity to touch many lives ... my sincerest apologies to my family and friends who have stood by me," he said.

Ruiz's attorney, Charles Sciarra asked that the sentence be reduced to six months, noting the many letters sent to the judge on Ruiz's behalf.

The judge denied that request referencing the mandatory minimum and then as is common, read out the fees, totaling $155, Ruiz will have to pay in accordance with the sentencing.

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