Accused-Charged with Being “a major drug dealer” in Orange County
Michael Rodriguez
Law enforcement officials in Orange County concluded a two-year investigation into a narcotics operation into cocaine trafficking that resulted in 15 persons arrested.
Included in those arrested was Michael Rodriguez, 48, from Yonkers. Rodriguez was the Director of an anti-violence group called Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence, (BRAG), a prominent anti-violence program that receives government money and works in the Bronx to promote safer streets.
Michael Rodriquez was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, and Conspiracy in the Second Degree. Michael Rodriquez is accused of supplying cocaine to narcotics dealers in the City of Middletown and the City of Port Jervis and possessing two illegal handguns.
On July 26, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Michael Rodriguez’s Yonkers residence, which resulted in the seizure of 1516 grams (over 1.5 kilograms) of cocaine, $165,509 in United States currency, scales, a money counter, an unlicensed Ruger .380 caliber pistol, an unlicensed Bond Arms .357 caliber handgun, a vacuum sealer, digital scales and jewelry estimated to have a value of approximately $50,000. It is alleged that Michael Rodriguez regularly supplied cocaine to Angelica Rodriguez, who would sell it in and around Middletown, and Tiano Lopez who would sell it in and around Port Jervis.
Michael Rodriquez is currently being held without bail in the Orange County Jail pending his appearance in County Court. The District Attorney’s Office has filed a Notice of Affirmative Grand Jury Action in the City of Middletown Court with respect to Michael Rodriguez.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said, “The very guy that we have that is supposed to be stopping gun violence in one jurisdiction in New York City, is poisoning our jurisdiction up here.”
Hoovler called Rodriguez “a major drug dealer,” adding “It is unconscionable that the Director of a respected group which has pledged to reduce gun violence and help at-risk youth would himself choose to commit weapons offenses.”
