Dover Councilman Charged with Criminal Coercion

Morris County Prosecutor alleges councilman threatened local liquor store owner over license renewal.

DOVER, NJ – Sergio Rodriguez, 29, a member of the Town of Dover Council, has been charged with one count of fourth-degree criminal coercion following an investigation by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. According to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, the charge stems from allegations that Rodriguez identified himself as a public official in order to intimidate a liquor store owner and employee into halting alcohol sales to certain individuals.

Authorities state that on October 25, 2024, Rodriguez “entered the Dover business … informing an employee that the store’s liquor license would not be renewed if they continued to sell alcohol to individuals seen drinking in a nearby courtyard.” The store owner later spoke with Rodriguez, who “allegedly reiterated that he was a councilman and could prevent the renewal of their liquor license if the owner did not comply with his demands.”

On January 2, 2025, Rodriguez was charged by summons complaint for criminal coercion, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:13-5. He was processed and released pending a future court appearance. His arrest photograph will not be released, as prohibited by state law.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Rodriguez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.