Last week, it was announced by David M. Hoovler, the Orange County District Attorney, that two defendants who were involved in a two-year-long narcotics investigation, dealing specifically with the sale of cocaine in the cities of Middletown and Port Jervis, were arraigned on an indictment in Orange County Court.
Michael Rodriguez, a resident of Yonkers who is 48 years old, is facing charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, conspiracy in the second degree, and conspiracy in the fourth degree.
After being accused of drug trafficking, Rodriguez, who is the director of Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence, a well-known program that aims to promote safer streets in the Bronx and receives government funding, was sent back to Orange County Jail without the possibility of bail.
Angelica Rodriguez, a resident of Otisville, has been charged with several serious offenses, including two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, conspiracy in the second degree, and conspiracy in the fourth degree. Currently, she is being held in custody with the option of posting a $100,000 cash bail or a $500,000 fully secured bond, or a $750,000 partially secured bond.
The two accused individuals have entered a plea of not guilty for all the charges brought against them.
The initial focus of the inquiry carried out by the Middletown Police Department was on the purported cocaine distribution activities of Angelica Rodriguez, who is also known as “Jelly,” in and around the city of Middletown. Later on, the Orange County Drug Taskforce and Port Jervis Police Department joined in to assist with the case.
According to sources, Angelica Rodriguez and her accomplices were allegedly found to be receiving their supply of cocaine through court-ordered eavesdropping. It was also revealed that the same drug suppliers were providing narcotics to other drug dealers in Port Jervis.
According to authorities, Michael Rodriquez has been charged with providing cocaine to drug dealers in Middletown and Port Jervis, as well as possessing two illegal handguns. After executing a search warrant at his Yonkers residence, law enforcement officials seized over 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, along with $165,509 in cash, scales, a money counter, an unlicensed Ruger .380 caliber pistol, an unlicensed Bond Arms .357 caliber handgun, a vacuum sealer, digital scales, and jewelry valued at around $50,000.
According to authorities, Michael Rodriguez was actively involved in the distribution of cocaine to Angelica Rodriguez and Taino Lopez. Angelica would sell the drugs in and around Middletown, while Taino would distribute in and around Port Jervis.
According to officials, Michael Rodriguez and Angelica Rodriguez are not believed to be related. It is expected that additional defendants involved in this case will have their arraignments scheduled soon.
More News:
- Single Mother Locked Out of Texas City Apartment and Robbed of Valuables: ‘I Have Nothing’
- California cops say 61-year-old stabs intruder after being stabbed in the back
