Former NYPD Officer Allegedly Conned Immigrants in Wappinger Falls

A former NYPD and Wappinger Falls police officer was arrested Friday for conning immigrants seeking driver's licenses and immigration assistance out of thousands of dollars.

Miguel A. Rodriguez, 53, allegedly carried out the scheme while serving as a police officer and liaison to the Latino community in the Village of Wappinger Falls. Rodriguez allegedly charged immigrants $300 each to enter a state lottery that he said would get them a valid driver’s license.

He also allegedly charged $500-1000 for “asylum and withholding of removal” applications promising they would be filed with the proper immigration authorities.

Rodriguez was charged with grand larceny 3rd degree, eight counts of grand larceny 4th degree, petit larceny and official misconduct. Grand larceny 3rd degree charge carries a 2 1/3 to seven years in prison.