Hide in plain sight! Gun violence prevention activist accused of orchestrating a major gun and drug ring in New York – just days after praising his own organization for ‘bringing peace to the community’

A gun violence prevention advocate has been arrested in a major drug and gun bust after being ensnared in a two-year investigation dubbed “Operation in Plain Sight.”

Michael Rodriguez, 49, was arrested at his home in Yonkers, New York, on July 26 after police seized a stash of illegal contraband, including more than a kilogram of cocaine, three handguns and a shotgun.

The activist was also found with $165,000 in cash and $50,000 in jewelry, and is charged with orchestrating a major human trafficking ring while acting as executive director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence.

Rodriguez was one of 15 people arrested in the major operation, as officials placed him at the head of a criminal organization that distributed drugs and weapons in New York’s Orange County.

Just days before his arrest, Rodriguez praised the work of his organization Bronx News 12 at the group’s annual cookout, saying the event was to celebrate “bringing peace to the community.”

Rodriguez praised his organization days before his arrest, saying it brought “peace to the community.”

Officials proudly presented a huge stash of illegal weapons and drugs they seized at the end of the two-year investigation from Rodriguez’s apartment in Yonkers

Rodriguez’s organization, known as BRAG, specifically worked with at-risk youth in the Bronx borough of New York City to help stem the spread of gun violence in the area.

But just an hour away, he allegedly orchestrated the spread of guns and crime in the towns of Middletown, Port Jervis and surrounding areas.

County prosecutor David Hoovler condemned the activist when he announced the arrest, saying Rodriguez’s alleged double life was “unconscionable.”

“The same man we have who is supposed to stop gun violence in a jurisdiction in New York City is poisoning our jurisdiction here,” he told a news conference.

“It is unconscionable that the director of a respected group that has pledged to reduce gun violence and help at-risk youth would choose to become a major drug dealer and commit gun crimes.”

Officials placed Rodriguez at the head of a criminal organization that distributed drugs and weapons in New York’s Orange County

At the end of the two-year operation, a trove of illegal weapons and drugs was seized

Investigators relied on court-ordered wiretapping tactics in the extensive investigation, which led to the execution of seven search warrants, according to the Yonkers Ledger.

Rodriguez and another person, Angelica Rodriguez, who is not related, are accused of supplying cocaine to other lower level players who then distributed the drugs in the community.

Rodriguez’s organization, known as BRAG, specifically worked with at-risk youth to help stop the spread of gun violence

“In the early stages of this investigation, the Narcotics Unit realized that this had tentacles that extended well beyond the boundaries of Middletown,” Middletown Police Chief John Ewanciw said at the news conference, noting the scope of the alleged operation.

Both Rodriguez’s are charged with drug possession and all 15 of those arrested in the sting are charged with conspiracy. The activist has also been charged with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.

In a statement to Bronx News 12, a BRAG spokesperson said, “We are aware of the investigation and allegations that have been made.

“As we work to learn more, our primary focus remains on the communities we serve and our programs that help keep them safe.”

The arrest was announced Saturday by Orange County DA David Hoovler, who condemned Rodriguez’s alleged double life as “unconscionable”

Rodriguez acted as executive director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence while allegedly running a large drug and gun ring

Authorities said nearly all of the drugs found in Rodriguez’s apartment were laced with fentanyl, a highly toxic and dangerous opioid.

Hoovler noted the damage the drug is wreaking across America when he announced the arrests, citing that between 2017 and 2022, an average of 117 people died each year from fentanyl overdose in his state.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark also spoke at the press conference, calling the allegations against Rodriguez “shocking and disturbing.”

“Especially since he has attended anti-violence events and peace marches portraying himself as someone who wants to stop violence in our community,” he added.

“These allegations are the exact opposite of the good work that violent groups are doing.”

The two-year investigation included City Police from Middletown, Port Jervis and Yonkers, the Orange County Drug Task Force and District Attorney’s Office, the State Police’s Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement team, the Sheriff’s Special Operations Group and the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center .