Head of NYC anti-violence program busted in massive upstate gun, drug sweepBy Larry Celona and Jorge Fitz-Gibbon
August 1, 2023
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.”
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Source:
https://nypost.com/2023/08/01/head-of-nyc-anti-violence-program-busted-in-massive-upstate-gun-drug-sweep/
