Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, Michael Rodriguez, the head of the group Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG), has found himself on the wrong side of the law. It seems that while he was busy preaching about anti-violence and marching for peace, he was actually leading a nefarious narcotic trafficking ring. Oh, the irony!
You see, Rodriguez has been accused of selling cocaine laced with fentanyl in various Orange County communities. And if that wasn’t enough, authorities also discovered not one, but two illegal guns in his Yonkers home. Talk about practicing what you preach, right?
During the raid, a whopping 1.5 kilos of cocaine and over $165,000 in cash were found. It’s a good thing that law enforcement was able to put their foot down on this reprehensible behavior. We can’t have someone who claims to be fighting against gun violence actually contributing to the problem with illegal firearms and dangerous drugs. It’s a betrayal of trust in the highest degree.
And let’s not forget about the timing of it all. Just four days before his arrest, Rodriguez had been interviewed by News 12 The Bronx at a community event. He was speaking to high-risk youth as if he were some hero, while all the while allegedly poisoning our communities with drugs. It’s utterly disgraceful.
NARCOTICS BUST 🚨B.R.A.G anti-violence program director, Michael Rodriguez, among 15 alleged narcotics traffickers busted in ‘Operation Hide In Plain Sight’ in Orange County. @News12HV @news12bronx pic.twitter.com/JPAgEKuCwM
— Blaise Gomez (@BlaiseGomez12) August 1, 2023
It’s clear that Rodriguez’s actions are in direct contradiction to the “Blueprint to End Gun Violence” proposed by Mayor Eric Adams, where BRAG is listed as a community partner. How can we trust organizations like this to truly care about the safety of our neighborhoods when their leader is embroiled in such criminal activities?
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark expressed her disappointment, stating that the allegations against Rodriguez are “the exact opposite of the good work cure violence groups are doing.” And she’s right. These charges tarnish the reputation of groups like BRAG, who should be focused on protecting the community, not profiting from its destruction.
While BRAG has acknowledged the investigation and charges, their primary focus remains on the communities they claim to serve. But it’s hard to see how they can continue their work with any semblance of credibility after this shocking revelation.
The case of Michael Rodriguez serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant and discerning when it comes to the organizations we support. Just because someone claims to be fighting against gun violence doesn’t mean they’re actually committed to the cause. We must hold individuals accountable for their actions and demand transparency in these so-called “cure violence” groups. Only then can we ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
