NYC college professor who threatened to ‘chop’ Post reporter with machete could get plea deal

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The unhinged former Manhattan college professor who threatened to “chop” up a Post reporter with a machete could strike a plea deal with Bronx prosecutors in the case, it was revealed Monday.

The prospective agreement was discussed in Bronx Criminal Court, where Shellyne Rodriguez, 46, appeared for a hearing flanked by more than a dozen supporters — who shielded her from news photographers and reporters while a large contingent of court officers stood by.

Bronx Criminal Court Judge Matthew Bondy indicated there was a “possible disposition” in the case, in which the since-fired Hunter College arts professor is charged with harassment and menacing for the caught-on-video May 23 assault on reporter Reuven Fenton.

Details about the possible deal weren’t revealed, but the judge said he had a letter from Bronx Community Solutions, a neighborhood-based program that offers alternatives to jail for criminal defendants, including counseling and community service, according to its website.

“I also have a supplemental certificate of compliance and notice of readiness from Aug. 13, 2023,” Bondy added. “The parties are requesting extra time for a possible disposition?”

Both Bronx Assistant District Attorney Timothy Lynch and Rodriguez’s defense attorney indicated they did, and Bondy set the next court date for Oct. 2 for “possible disposition.”

Shellyne Rodriguez appeared for a hearing at Bronx Criminal Court on Monday.

Tomas E. Gaston

Rodriguez was flanked by more than a dozen supporters who shielded her from photographers and reporters.

Tomas E. Gaston

At the request of prosecutors, the judge also extended orders of protection for Rodriguez to stay away from Fenton.

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office said later Monday it had not “determined nor communicated a plea offer yet” to Rodriguez and her lawyer.

“We are reviewing information sent by defense counsel, continuing our investigation, and keeping the victim apprised of any developments,” a DA spokesperson said in a statement.

Rodriguez’s attorney, Moira Meltzer-Cohen, declined to comment.

One of Rodriguez’s supporters blocks photographers outside the courthouse.

Tomas E. Gaston

Rodriguez first made headlines when she was caught on video flipping out on a group of students who set up a table with anti-abortion materials at the CUNY school on May 2.

“You’re not educating s–t. This is f—ing propaganda,” she snapped. “What are you going to do, like anti-trans next?”

The crazed educator then tossed the pamphlets on the floor in front of the stunned students.

Unhinged Hunter College professor Shellyne Rodriguez was charged with menacing, harassment and criminal weapons possession after holding a machete to the throat of a Post reporter and chasing staffers down the street with the weapon.

serinc

On May 23, The Post knocked on the door of her Bronx apartment to get her side of the story — only to have her lunge out into the hallway with a machete that she put to Fenton’s throat, video of the shocking encounter showed.

“Get the f–k away from my door or I’m gonna chop you up with this machete!” Rodriguez shouted before retreating back inside, leaving Fenton and a Post photographer dumbstruck.

When the two left the building, Rodriguez ran after them in the street while wielding the machete, chasing the photographer down the street, video showed.

Post reporter Reuven Fenton knocked on the door of then-Hunter College professor Shellyne Rodriquez to get her side of a meltdown at the Big Apple school — only to have the unhinged educator lunge at him with a machete.

Robert Miller

Rodriguez put a machete to the neck of Fenton, telling the Post staffer she would “chop” him up. She later chased Fenton and a photographer outside.

Robert Miller for the N.Y. Post

“If I see you on this block one more f—ing time, you’re gonna…,” she began yelling. “Get the f–k off the block! Get the f–k out of here, yo!”

Just hours later, Hunter College, where she worked as an adjunct professor, fired her while saying the school “strongly condemns the unacceptable actions of Shellyne Rodriguez.”

Rodriguez was later charged with harassment, menacing and weapons possession.

Former Hunter College professor Shellyn Rodriguez outside the 43rd Precinct stationhouse in the Bronx.

Tomas E.Gaston

She pleaded not guilty.

The Post learned that she is also the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the NYPD stemming from her arrest during a June 2020 protest to the police-custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota.