Morris County councilman charged after he allegedly harassed a group of homeless men

DOVER, NJ (Morris County) – A Dover councilman has been charged after he allegedly harassed a group of homeless men Wednesday night, according to police.

On Feb, 7, 2024, at around 8:53 p.m. Sergio Rodriguez, 29, a Councilperson for the Town of Dover, approached a group of homeless men located at the intersection of East Blackwell Street and North Sussex Street, which is a public area, police said.

Rodriguez allegedly became engaged in a verbal confrontation with the men, whom he believed were consuming alcohol in public, police said.

During the confrontation, Rodriguez allegedly assaulted one of the males by kicking the man’s right band causing injury. He then continued to pursue the males while video recording after they attempted to leave the area and forced the men to cross the roadway, police said.

Rodriguez attempted to block the mans’ avenue of escape which caused a dangerous condition on the roadway, police said.

“The Dover Police were called to the scene and conducted a thorough investigation,” authorities said.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Rodriguez was taken into police custody and charged with simple assault and harassment both charges are disorderly persons offenses. He was then released pending a court appearance.