Rodriguez Enters PTI Program

Former Dover Council member can have charges cleared after 12 months.

Former Dover Councilman Sergio Rodriguez is pleased with his PTI arrangement. (Photo/DOVERNOW.com)

Former Dover Town Councilman Sergio Rodriguez has been admitted into a 12-month program for first-time offenders that will help him avoid a trial and potential jail time.

The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office announced the decision to admit Rodriguez into the Pre-Trial Intervention program on Monday, January 5. The PTI covers charges for two incidents involving Rodriguez, homeless men, and a liquor store owner and employee:

• One count of fourth-degree criminal coercion related to an incident involving a business owner. 

• One count each of simple assault and harassment.

The coercion count involved an October 25, 2024, incident when Rodriguez told the store owner and employee that he was a Councilman and allegedly told them to stop selling liquor to homeless men loitering near the store. He then reportedly threatened to block the renewal of their liquor license if they didn’t comply.

The assault and harassment charges are related to a confrontation with Rodriguez and three homeless men he aggressively accosted for public intoxication, kicking a bottle out of a man’s hand; he recorded the incident on his phone.

Rodriguez served the Second Ward after winning the 2023 election. He lost his re-election bid to Judith Rugg in the June 10, 2025, Democratic primary.

The PTI case was brought before New Jersey Superior Court Judge Ralph Amirata. Under the conditions of the arrangement, Rodriguez must pay all mandatory fines, fees, and penalties, and avoid contact with the Dover local liquor store.

Rodriguez said he welcomed the decision.

“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and I reached a resolution through the PTI program, based on the position I maintained from the very beginning,” he said. “I was clear that I did nothing wrong and that I would not accept any outcome involving conditions, fines, or an admission of guilt. Over time, those terms were fully met. I was able to place my statement on the record declaring no wrongdoing, and that statement was accepted as part of the PTI process. With those conditions satisfied, I agreed to resolve this matter and move on. I’m glad it is behind us without the need for a trial.”