The director of a Bronx anti-violence program listed as part of Mayor Eric Adams’ plan to curb shootings was hit with drug and gun charges in a massive upstate bust, The Post has learned.
Michael Rodriguez, 48, head of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG), was among 15 suspects charged in the drug conspiracy case, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said Tuesday.
He is accused of supplying drugs to dealers in Middletown and Port Jervis to be sold on the streets.
Cops raided his Yonkers home last week and allegedly found the drugs, more than $165,000 in cash and two illegal guns — a Ruger .380 caliber handgun and a Bond Arms .357-caliber handgun.
Rodriguez’ organization BRAG is among the grassroots organizations listed as community partners in the city’s “Blueprint to End Gun Violence” released last year.
“The allegations of drug trafficking and gun possession against Michael Rodriguez are shocking and disturbing, especially since he has attended anti-violence events and peace marches portraying himself as someone who cares about stopping the violence in our community,” Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said in a statement Tuesday.
“These charges are the exact opposite of the good work cure violence groups are doing.”
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said the gun and drug busts were the result of a two-year investigation that netted 15 suspects, three illegal guns and more than 1.5 kilograms of crack cocaine.
“There are still those who think that they can sell narcotics with impunity if they insulate themselves through the use of intermediaries,” 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 law enforcement,” he said.
Rodriguez is charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, second-degree conspiracy and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, the DA’s office said.
A spokesperson for BRAG said in an email Tuesday that the group was aware of Rodriguez’s arrest and would seek more information.
“We are aware of the investigation and the charges that have been made,” the spokesperson said. “While we work to learn more, our primary focus remains on the communities we serve and our programs that are helping to keep them safe.”
