Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez, a Dominican national, has been extradited to the United States from the Dominican Republic. The announcement was made by 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. Fernandez-Rodriguez faces charges related to murder, narcotics, and firearms in connection with an attempted robbery at a Mount Vernon warehouse.
The attempted robbery occurred at a warehouse selling unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products. During the incident, two individuals were killed: one employee and one member of the robbery crew. Fernandez-Rodriguez will appear in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause.
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 justice for those responsible for these deaths.
FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies remarked on Fernandez-Rodriguez's alleged involvement: “Last year, Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez allegedly fled the country after participating in a robbery and massive gunfight which culminated in the murder of two individuals." She noted that his extradition reflects the FBI’s dedication to accountability.
According to allegations in an unsealed Complaint, on March 18, 2024, a large group including Fernandez-Rodriguez attempted to rob the warehouse using firearms. A gunfight ensued between them and a warehouse employee resulting in fatalities on both sides.
Fernandez-Rodriguez was arrested on December 4, 2024, in the Dominican Republic; so far 12 individuals have been apprehended concerning this crime.
He faces multiple charges: murder through use of a firearm (maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment), firearms use (maximum life sentence), conspiracy to distribute narcotics (maximum life sentence), and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery (maximum 20 years). These sentences are determined by Congress but actual sentencing is up to judicial discretion.
Podolsky commended several law enforcement agencies for their roles in this case including the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and others involved internationally such as Dominican authorities who assisted with securing arrest and extradition efforts led by Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared D. Hoffman and Justin L. Brooke are prosecuting this case under White Plains Division jurisdiction while reminding all charges remain accusations until proven otherwise according to legal standards regarding presumption of innocence.
