Recent events have shed light on the extensive criminal history of Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in the apparent assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Records from North Carolina show a pattern of legal troubles spanning several years.
In 2002, Routh faced serious charges, including felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction, resisting an officer, carrying a concealed weapon, and ID card fraud. While he pleaded guilty to some charges, others were dismissed.
Aside from these serious offenses, Routh has also been involved in less severe legal issues. Multiple cases related to worthless checks were brought against him, with some being dismissed and one resulting in a guilty plea in 2003.
Further adding to his legal troubles, in 2009, Routh was charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, although the case was eventually dismissed. In 2010, he was found guilty of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods and placed on three years of probation. That same year, he faced a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle, which was later dismissed.
Routh's legal entanglements extend to traffic violations as well. In 1996, he pleaded guilty to driving with no registration, adding to his list of infractions.
Moreover, both state and federal authorities have accused Routh of failing to pay taxes on time. In 2008, a federal tax lien of approximately $32,000 was placed against him, highlighting his ongoing financial issues.
These revelations paint a picture of a troubled past for Ryan Wesley Routh, providing insight into the background of the individual involved in the recent high-profile incident.