NORTH CAPE MAY – Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor, Lower Township Police Chief William Mastriana and Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner, as a result of a joint investigation, announced the arrest of Alycha Rodriguez.
On Nov. 15, Lower Township Police Department responded to the 100 block Willow Drive in North Cape May for a report of a possible overdose involving a 30-year-old female. Upon arrival it was determined that the victim was deceased. The victim was pregnant at the time of her death. Taylor stated, “This untimely death of a mother-to-be, shows the devastating effects associated with addiction.”
Also, on Nov. 15, Middle Township Street Crimes Unit, while in the area of a motel located on the 3100 south block Route 9 in Rio Grande, observed a female with a knife chasing two males out of a motel room and into a parking lot on Route 9 South where a physical altercation took place between one of the males and the female.
The investigation revealed that the two males had committed a robbery while inside the room. As a result, the male, identified as William Murray, 28, of Villas, was charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery and was placed in Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of $100,000 cash bail.
The female, identified as Alycha Rodriguez, 22, originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., and temporarily staying at the motel, was charged with aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a weapon, and was lodged in the county correctional center in lieu of $50,000 cash bail.
The other male had fled the area and Middle Township Police are currently attempting to identify him.
A subsequent joint investigation by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lower and Middle Township Police Departments identified Rodriguez as being the person that sold suspected heroin to the overdose victim in Lower Township.
On Nov. 21, Rodriguez was charged with strict liability of drug induced death, a crime of the first degree, violation of a law to protect public health and safety, a crime of the second degree, as well as possession and distribution of heroin, both third degree charges. As a result of these charges her bail was increased to $1 million, which was set by Judge Dorothy Garrabrant.
Taylor advises that persons convicted of a first degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison, persons convicted of a second degree crime are subject to a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years and persons convicted of third degree crimes are subject to a term of imprisonment of three to five years.
Taylor urges anyone who has information concerning this case or any illegal activity within the community to report it anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers, 609-465-2800, or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.
