DOVER, N.J. — Sergio Rodriguez, a member of the Dover Town Council, has been charged with fourth-degree criminal coercion after allegedly using his position as a public official to intimidate a liquor store owner and employee, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll announced on Thursday.
According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the charges stem from an incident on October 25, 2024, when Rodriguez, 29, entered a Dover liquor store and identified himself as a councilman. He allegedly warned an employee that the store’s liquor license would not be renewed if they continued selling alcohol to individuals seen drinking in a nearby courtyard.
The business owner later spoke directly with Rodriguez, who reportedly reiterated the threat, stating that as a councilman, he could prevent the renewal of the store’s liquor license if his demands were not met.
Following an investigation, Rodriguez was charged on January 2, 2025, with one count of criminal coercion, a fourth-degree offense under New Jersey law. He was processed and released pending an upcoming court appearance. State law prohibits the release of Rodriguez’s arrest photograph.
“The allegations involve an abuse of public office to exert undue influence on private business operations, raising questions about potential ethics violations in addition to criminal charges,” Prosecutor Carroll said in a statement.
“The charges against Sergio Rodriguez cast a shadow over his position as a Dover councilman, alleging he used his authority to intimidate a local business owner.”