Darlene Rodriguez's Husband Charged!!!

[j.wer 12]

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/03/19/2008-03-19_policeman_married_to_anchorwoman_charged.html

[Vlad 325]

He plead not guilty though so lets see what will happen. Darlene seems to be highly supportive.

[WizOz 3]

Rodriguez rape case is a challenge for Ch. 4

Friday, March 21st 2008, 4:00 AM

 

 

Darlene Rodriguez

WNBC/Ch. 4 anchor Darlene Rodriguez took yesterday off, but she's expected to be back at her "Today in New York" desk this morning.

 

Even so, when the story about her husband, New Rochelle Police Sgt. David Rodriguez, heats up again - he pleaded not guilty this week to raping a 17-year-old - look for Rodriguez to disappear.

 

"Darlene is a valued member of our team, and she will be on the air when the story is not part of the news cycle," said a Ch. 4 spokeswoman. "When the story is in the headlines, Darlene will be working on other stories in the newsroom, behind the scenes."

 

Rodriguez remained on the air after the rape allegations surfaced in February. But the situation changed Wednesday, when her husband was arrested - and released after posting bail - and she was in the spotlight, defending him to reporters outside the courthouse in New Rochelle.

 

Her involvement in the story creates a murky situation at Ch. 4, and to some extent for those covering the case elsewhere. Many of the reporters on the story have worked with her, or have traveled in the same circles. Indeed, in 1997, David Rodriguez, then a detective with the NYPD, proposed on-air at WCBS-AM to the then-Darlene Pomales, who was a reporter for the station.

 

One TV reporter said yesterday that her involvement affected the coverage, though all those reporting on the case believe they should be as aggressive as on any other story.

 

"But when someone you've known for many years is standing there, next to her accused-rapist husband, it's hard not to be affected," the reporter said.

 

There were concerns by some that by speaking publicly, Rodriguez was trying to gain the sympathy of colleagues.

 

Another TV insider said she spoke very eloquently, resulting in "more sober reporting."

 

As the case unfolds, Ch. 4 faces some conundrums.

 

For Rodriguez to defend her husband is natural and expected. And sidelining her until the case is resolved is totally unrealistic.

 

Still, now that she's in the news herself, will it affect the way she handles similar stories, or the way viewers perceive her delivery? On the other hand, it wouldn't be fair to her to have her sit at the desk while her husband's case is being reported on.

 

"It's a fluid situation, and we'll take it on a case-by-case basis," said Ch. 4's spokeswoman.

[Vlad 325]

That is a very awkward and unfortunate situation to be in, hopefully she will pull through with the support of her colleagues. She seems very determined that her husband is not the rapist. People make mistakes sometimes and perhaps they wrongly accused David of doing such an act. The 17 year old may just be looking for attention, the same way they did the same to Michael Jackson twice.

[njlady 1]

She looked very pale and thin today - my heart goes out to her.