Story by Ethan
On January 3rd, 2025, Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally announced charges against Sergio Rodriguez, age 29. Sergio Rodriguez was charged with one count of fourth-degree Criminal Coercion, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-5, by way of a summons complaint.
According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Sergio Rodriguez allegedly entered a Dover liquor store on October 25th, 2024, and used his position as a councilman to intimidate the business owner and an employee. Sergio Rodriguez notified the employee that the businesses’ liquor license would not be renewed, if they didn’t cease their sales to a group of individuals drinking at a nearby courtyard. Following the conversation with the employee, the owner then stepped out to talk to Segion Rodriguez himself. Sergio Rodriguez then reiterated to the liquor store owner his status as a councilman and repeated that he had the authority to make sure their liquor license would not be renewed if they didn’t follow his orders.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office stated that the charges against Sergio Rodriguez are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
