Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Leslie R. Backschies, Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office, announced the extradition of Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez from the Dominican Republic to the United States. Fernandez-Rodriguez faces charges related to a failed robbery attempt at a Mount Vernon warehouse that resulted in two deaths.
Fernandez-Rodriguez is accused of participating in an attempted armed robbery targeting a warehouse selling unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products. During this incident, one employee and one member of the robbery crew were killed. He will appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause in White Plains federal court.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky stated: “As alleged, Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez and his co-conspirators attempted a violent armed robbery that left two dead in Mount Vernon.” He emphasized law enforcement's commitment to bringing all responsible individuals to justice.
FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies remarked on Fernandez-Rodriguez's alleged flight from justice after contributing to a violent episode: “Today’s extradition and indictment reflects the FBI’s tireless commitment to ensuring all criminals face accountability for their behavior.”
The complaint details that on March 18, 2024, members of a robbery crew emerged from a cargo van near the warehouse around midnight, brandishing firearms as they confronted employees and customers outside. A gunfight ensued inside the warehouse resulting in two fatalities.
Fernandez-Rodriguez was arrested on December 4, 2024, in the Dominican Republic. To date, authorities have apprehended 12 individuals connected with this crime.
The charges against Fernandez-Rodriguez include murder through use of a firearm, firearms possession and use during a crime, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery—all carrying significant potential sentences.
Podolsky commended multiple law enforcement agencies for their assistance in securing Fernandez-Rodriguez's arrest and extradition. The case is managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared D. Hoffman and Justin L. Brooke from the White Plains Division.
The charges are accusations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
