Former NFL wide receiver Henry Ruggs III has been moved to the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City, a medium-security facility, marking a significant change in his incarceration status. This transfer by the Nevada Department of Corrections comes after Ruggs had spent time at Casa Grande Transitional Housing in Las Vegas, a program designed for preparing inmates to reintegrate into society.
Ruggs is currently serving a three-to-ten-year sentence related to a tragic traffic accident that claimed the life of 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog in November 2021. The accident, which occurred in Las Vegas, has been described as a result of Ruggs driving under the influence. Specifically, evidence showed he had a blood-alcohol level of 0.161%, significantly exceeding Nevada’s legal limit of 0.08%. Reports indicate that Ruggs’ Corvette was traveling at speeds of 156 mph moments before the collision and was still going 127 mph at the moment of impact.
The Nevada Department of Corrections has not disclosed the specific reasons for Ruggs’ transfer, but indicated that such moves can occur when inmates at lower custody levels commit infractions that warrant reclassification to a higher-security facility. As of now, Ruggs’ earliest eligibility for parole is slated for August 5, 2026, though his mandatory parole consideration date has shifted from July 4, 2027, to October 18, 2027.
In May 2023, Ruggs pleaded guilty to driving under the influence resulting in death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter after a plea deal with the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. Initially facing more severe charges, he accepted the plea agreement to avoid a potentially longer sentence. During his sentencing in August 2023, Ruggs expressed remorse for his actions, addressing Tintor’s family directly. “I sincerely apologize for the pain and suffering my actions…have caused you, your family and everyone who knew and loved Miss Tina and Max,” he stated.
Prior to his conviction, Ruggs had a promising career in professional football. He was known as a standout athlete at Montgomery’s high school and later starred at the University of Alabama, contributing significantly to the team during his tenure. Ultimately, his journey took a tragic turn; he was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 but was released from the team on the day of the fatal incident.
The case against him included various charges related to DUI and reckless driving, but these were reduced as part of the plea agreement. Following his arrest and bail, which was set at $150,000, the preliminary hearings faced multiple delays, largely due to complications concerning evidence collection and legal challenges over blood alcohol testing.
Tina Tintor’s death, determined to be due to thermal injuries from the crash, has left a deep impact on her family and the community, a tragedy Ruggs acknowledged in his statements of apology. As of the recent transfer, Ruggs remains in the correctional system, facing the consequences of his actions that irrevocably altered many lives.
