Bronx Anti-Violence Program Director Arrested in Drug and Gun Crackdown

The director of a Bronx anti-violence program, which is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to curb shootings, has been arrested in a massive drug and gun crackdown in the state.

Michael Rodriguez, 48, head of the Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG) program, was among 15 suspects charged in the drug conspiracy case, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday.

Rodriguez is charged with supplying drugs to dealers in Middletown and Port Jervis for sale on the streets.

Police searched his Yonkers home last week and allegedly found drugs, more than $165,000 in cash and two illegal weapons: a Ruger .380-caliber pistol and a Bond Arms .357-caliber pistol.

The BRAG plan was launched last year

Rodríguez’s organization, BRAG, is among the community entities partnering in the city’s “Plan to End Gun Violence,” launched last year.

“The drug trafficking and gun possession charges against Michael Rodriguez are shocking and disturbing, especially given that he has attended anti-violence events and peace marches presenting himself as someone concerned about stopping violence in our community,” said the district attorney. of the Bronx, Darcel Clark, in a statement Tuesday.

“These charges are completely contrary to the good work being done by violence healing groups.”

Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said the drug and weapons arrests were the result of a two-year investigation that netted 15 suspects, three illegal weapons and more than 1.5 kilograms of powdered cocaine.

“There are still those who believe they can sell narcotics with impunity if they isolate themselves through the use of middlemen,” Hoovler said in a statement.

“This case exemplifies the benefits of coordinated and dedicated enforcement actions by police and prosecutors, and why no one who traffics narcotics in Orange County can hope to evade authorities,” he said.

Rodriguez faces charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree conspiracy and first-degree possession of a criminal weapon, according to the prosecutor’s office.

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