DOVER, NJ (Morris County) – A Dover councilman has been charged with criminal coercion, according to Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
Sergio Rodriguez, 29, of Dover, who is a member of the Town of Dover Council, is alleged to have identified himself as a public official in order to intimidate a liquor store owner and employee into ceasing the sales of alcohol to specific individuals, Carroll said.
Rodriguez is alleged to have entered the Dover business on October 25, 2024, 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, Carroll said.
The business owner spoke to Rodriguez at a later time, and during that conversation, Rodriguez 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, Carroll said.
Rodriguez was charged on Jan. 2 with one count of fourth-degree criminal coercion. He was processed and released pending a court appearance, Carroll said.
