Mayor Adams Left Red Faced After Anti Violence Leader Arrested On Gun Charges
Michael Rodriguez, aged 48 and the director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG), an organization featured in Mayor Eric Adams’ initiative to reduce shootings, has been implicated in a significant drug and weapon operation upstate. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office reported that Rodriguez and 14 other suspects were charged in connection with a drug conspiracy case on Tuesday.
According to the allegations, Rodriguez is accused of supplying drugs to dealers in Middletown and Port Jervis for distribution on the streets. A recent raid at his Yonkers residence resulted in the discovery of drugs, over $165,000 in cash, and two illegal guns (a Ruger .380 caliber handgun and a Bond Arms .357-caliber handgun).
The revelations have come as a shock to the community, as Rodriguez’s organization, BRAG, was listed as a community partner in the city’s “Blueprint to End Gun Violence,” which was released last year. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark expressed her dismay over the situation, stating that the charges contradict the supposed anti-violence work carried out by groups like BRAG.
The gun and drug busts were the result of a thorough two-year investigation, leading to the arrest of 15 suspects, the seizure of three illegal guns, and more than 1.5 kilograms of crack cocaine. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in apprehending drug traffickers.
Rodriguez now faces multiple charges, including first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree conspiracy, and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
In response to the news, a spokesperson for BRAG expressed awareness of Rodriguez’s arrest and stated that the group would seek further information on the matter.
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