Anti-violence director among 15 arrested in Orange County narcotic trafficking ring

Officials arrested Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence director Michael Rodriguez July 26. He's accused of leading a narcotic trafficking ring that sold cocaine laced with fentanyl in multiple Orange County communities.

Blaise Gomez

Aug 1, 2023, 9:35 PM

Updated 292 days ago

Share:

The director of an anti-gun, anti-gang violence group in the Bronx is now accused of being a major cocaine trafficker in Orange County.
Officials arrested Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG) director Michael Rodriguez July 26. He's accused of leading a narcotic trafficking ring that sold cocaine laced with fentanyl in multiple Orange County communities.
News 12 The Bronx interviewed the 48-year-old four days before his arrest, on July 22, at a community event meant for high-risk youth. His Yonkers residence was later raided that week in the multiagency investigation dubbed, "Operation Hide in Plain Sight."
“The very guy that we have supposed to be stopping gun violence in one jurisdiction in New York City is poisoning our jurisdiction up here," said Orange County District Attorney Dave Hoovler.
Authorities allegedly found Rodriguez in possession of two illegal firearms, 1.5 kilos of cocaine and $167,000 in cash. Officials say the two-year investigation first centered around Angelica Rodriguez - an alleged drug dealer in Middletown for more than two decades. Police say months of wiretaps then led them to the alleged supplier.
“The very guy that we have supposed to be stopping gun violence in one jurisdiction in New York City is poisoning our jurisdiction up here," said Hoovler.
A BRAG spokesperson released this statement to News 12: “We are aware of the investigation and the charges that have been made.  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.”
The alleged operation spanned Middletown, Port Jervis and nearby communities. Both Michael Rodriguez and Angelica Rodriguez, who authorities say are not related, are accused of being major players. Police say the others arrested were lower-level dealers.
Officials say the narcotics sold were often laced with fentanyl. They hope the multiagency, two-year operation helps slow down the local rise in overdoses.
“We are not going to stop the fight. We will continue to use resources, partnering together, using whatever technology we have access to do everything in our power to make our communities safe," said Middletown Police Chief John Ewanciw.
Michael Rodriguez and Angelica Rodriguez are being held in Orange County Jail without bail. The others arrested were released on appearance tickets.


More from News 12
1:10
Police: Multivehicle crash on Sprain Brook Parkway kills 1

Police: Multivehicle crash on Sprain Brook Parkway kills 1

2:12
Warm temperatures with a mix of sun and clouds in the Hudson Valley

Warm temperatures with a mix of sun and clouds in the Hudson Valley

0:21
Officials: 2 hospitalized following head-on collision in Cornwall

Officials: 2 hospitalized following head-on collision in Cornwall

0:23
Police: Newburgh woman arrested, accused in Marlboro hit-and-run that killed 2

Police: Newburgh woman arrested, accused in Marlboro hit-and-run that killed 2

0:20
Clarkstown community mourns death of Councilman Mark Woods

Clarkstown community mourns death of Councilman Mark Woods

0:13
Dominican University in Orangeburg holds 70th annual commencement ceremony

Dominican University in Orangeburg holds 70th annual commencement ceremony

0:22
Police: Westchester patrol car struck by vehicle in Valhalla

Police: Westchester patrol car struck by vehicle in Valhalla

2:16
Israel music festival terror attack survivors share with New City congregation their Oct. 7 experience

Israel music festival terror attack survivors share with New City congregation their Oct. 7 experience

0:48
DEC says it's monitoring oil slick found at Village of Piermont creek

DEC says it's monitoring oil slick found at Village of Piermont creek

0:28
Yonkers police: 32-year-old man stabbed on Stanley Avenue

Yonkers police: 32-year-old man stabbed on Stanley Avenue

2:04
Rep. Mike Lawler launches bid for reelection in Haverstraw

Rep. Mike Lawler launches bid for reelection in Haverstraw

0:23
American flags torn down outside car dealership in Greenburgh

American flags torn down outside car dealership in Greenburgh

1:35
Gran Fondo World Championship brings cyclists through Rockland

Gran Fondo World Championship brings cyclists through Rockland

0:59
Period Project' - led by Yorktown student - helps raise $6,000+ for women in need

Period Project' - led by Yorktown student - helps raise $6,000+ for women in need

0:27
Officials warn against using gasoline to ignite indoor fires following incident at Croton-on-Hudson residence

Officials warn against using gasoline to ignite indoor fires following incident at Croton-on-Hudson residence

0:32
Hudson Valley veterans honored with flight to visit Washington DC

Hudson Valley veterans honored with flight to visit Washington DC

2:23
Candlelight vigil held in Mohegan Lake for missing Westchester teenage girls

Candlelight vigil held in Mohegan Lake for missing Westchester teenage girls

0:24
Police: 1 dead following multi-vehicle crash on Sprain Brook Parkway near Elmsford

Police: 1 dead following multi-vehicle crash on Sprain Brook Parkway near Elmsford

1:45
 Missed swim lessons due to COVID-19 may be contributing to rise in child drownings

Missed swim lessons due to COVID-19 may be contributing to rise in child drownings

1:39
New Rochelle's Haitian community commemorates Haitian Flag Day

New Rochelle's Haitian community commemorates Haitian Flag Day