Hugo Rodriguez, known as "Juice" and the leader of the Own Every Dollar gang, part of the Trinitarios outfit in Washington Heights, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars. The conviction came after a series of aggressive prosecutions that saw 22 members of the gang taken down, addressing crimes ranging from murder to drug trafficking, the office of the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York disclosed.
"Too many New York neighborhoods are plagued by gang violence and drug trafficking," U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said. "New Yorkers deserve better. The women and men of our Office will continue to target gun violence and drug trafficking," according to a recent press release. The U.S. Attorney's Office detailed the criminal activities led by Rodriguez which included, multiple instances of violence and narcotics distribution particularly dealing in fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
Despite previous convictions that included a shooting and the discovery of dangerous contraband during his time in state prison, Rodriguez's criminal undertakings didn't wane post-incarceration. While on parole, he was embroiled in an attempted daylight murder in August 2021 and linked to a gunpoint robbery on Valentine's Day 2022, where the victim was assaulted with the weapon. His parole period was also marked by narcotics trafficking, highlighting the challenge authorities face in curbing recidivism among gang leadership.
Since being detained on August 1, 2022, Rodriguez's conduct in prison remained troublesome. He encountered sanctions for fighting, and, methamphetamine use, and was found in possession of a shiv measuring 11-inches. Rodriguez has also faced separate charges for an assault while in federal custody. His sentencing includes a stipulation for five years of supervised release after the completion of his 15-year tenure in prison.
The efforts leading up to the sentencing of Rodriguez were praised by Mr. Clayton, who accredited various law enforcement agencies including the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and others for their collaboration. The narcotics unit of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York handled the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Ashley C. Nicolas, and Alexandra Messiter spearheading the prosecution.
