Michael Rodriguez, 49, of Yonkers, was sentenced to a 10-year prison term followed by five years of post-release supervision. This sentence was handed down by the Honorable Craig Stephen Brown in the Orange County Court. Rodriguez, the Director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (B.R.A.G.), pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and second-degree conspiracy.
Rodriguez also agreed to forfeit a car and $165,000 as proceeds from his crimes. The City of Middletown Police, aided by the Orange County Drug Taskforce, conducted a two-year investigation into cocaine trafficking led by Angelica Rodriguez in Middletown. The investigation eventually implicated Michael Rodriguez in supplying cocaine to dealers in Middletown and Port Jervis, along with possession of two illegal handguns.
During a search warrant execution at his Yonkers residence on July 26, 2023, authorities seized over 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, significant cash, firearms, and other items.
District Attorney David M. Hoovler highlighted the severity of Rodriguez’s actions, given his role in an anti-violence program, and commended the collaborative law enforcement efforts in this case.