NJ Councilman Filmed Himself Assaulting Homeless People, Threatened Business Owner, Officials Say

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — An ex-Morris County councilman has admitted to using his former status to intimidate and coerce a local business, and to harassing homeless people, according to prosecutors.

Sergio Rodriguez, 30, of Dover, admitted to several charges stemming from two incidents in 2024. On Monday, he was admitted into a Pre-Trial Intervention program.

The first incident was from Feb. 7, when Rodriguez recorded himself harassing three homeless people who were seen drinking “a clear substance from a clear bottle” in public. He posted the video on social media before deleting it soon after.

Rodriguez kicked the bottle from one of the people’s hands, injuring his right hand. He also attempted to block them from crossing the street when they tried to leave, becoming “more aggressive,” according to prosecutors.

The second incident stems from October 2024, when Rodriguez entered a liquor store and ordered its owner to stop selling alcohol to the “'garbage/Spanish' people frequently seen drinking in the courtyard," police records show. He showed a photo of the individuals to the shop owner, imploring him to stop selling them products.

Read more: 'Garbage/Spanish' People Shouldn't Buy Booze, NJ Councilman Said In Cop’s Report

Rodriguez identified himself as a public servant, saying that he will use his power as a councilman to “prevent the renewal of their liquor license if the owner did not comply with his demands.”

Mayor James Dodd called for Rodriguez to resign from his position as councilman after the controversy. He ended up losing his reelection attempt in the 2025 primary.

Rodriguez was charged with simple assault for the February 2024 incident and criminal coercion and harassment for the October incident.

On Monday, Rodriguez was admitted into the Pre-Trial Intervention program for a period of one year and ordered to pay all mandatory fines, fees, and penalties and have no contact with the victim's business.