Ruth Ellen Winters was convicted of Possession of Counterfeit License Plate or Validation Sticker and Resisting/Obstructing an Officer Without Violence. The jury returned the guilty verdict following a one-day trial in Collier County.
Assistant State Attorney Martin Holland prosecuted the case.
In 2024, the defendant was pulled over by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office for speeding. She did not have a driver’s license, registration, or insurance with her. The deputy noticed her license plate was marked “diplomat.” A deputy who is cross sworn with Homeland Security determined she was not a diplomat, and it was a fake license plate. The defendant purchased the fake license plate on the internet.
A sentencing date is scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Samantha Syoen – State Attorney’s Office Communications Director