Adam Rodriguez is set to join the Season 12 cast of the CBS-aired drama series "Criminal Minds.

The veteran actor is slated to assume the role of a special agent from the FBI Fugitive Task Force joining the Behavioral Task Force. His addition comes in the wake of longtime star Shemar Moore recently announcing that he was leaving the show.

Moore had been a part of the show since its inception. While stressing he's looking forward to pursuing new projects, Moore hasn't ruled out returning to the series at some point and time.

Execs Have big Plans for Rodriguez

Meanwhile, executive producer and show-runner Erica Messer stressed show execs couldn't be more elated about having Rodriguez coming on board.

"We're thrilled to introduce a new special agent by adding the very talented Adam Rodriguez to our amazing cast," she said in a statement. "We have exciting storylines planned for his character and the entire BAU team as we head into our 12th season."

Rodriguez joins a cast that already includes Joe Mantegna, Thomas Gibson, Matthew Gray Gubler, A.J. Cook and Kirsten Vangness.

"We're all big fans of Adam's and are excited to welcome him back to the CBS family as part of the terrific cast of "Criminal Minds," added Glenn Geller, president of CBS Entertainment.

Rodriguez Well Traveled

Rodriguez recently starred on "Jane the Virgin" and "Empire." Before that, he spent 11 seasons on "CSI: Miami." He's also starred in such big screen productions as "Magic Mike," "XXL Magic Mike," and "I Can Do Bad All By Myself."

On "Empire," the 41-year-old Rodriguez briefly starred as a love interest for Taraji P. Henson's Cookie Lyon's character. The two also previously costarred in Tyler Perry's "I Can Do Bad All By Myself."

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