By: Richard L. Smith
A Dover man and former local elected official has been admitted into New Jersey’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program following the resolution of criminal charges tied to two separate incidents in 2024, according to a statement released by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Robert Carroll and Chief of Detectives Robert McNally said Sergio Rodriguez, 30, of Dover, was admitted into PTI on January 5, 2026, before Superior Court Judge Ralph Amirata.
Rodriguez was accepted into the 12-month diversionary program in connection with a fourth-degree criminal coercion charge stemming from an October 25, 2024 incident, as well as disorderly persons offenses of simple assault and harassment related to a separate February 7, 2024 incident.
Authorities said the criminal coercion charge arose after Rodriguez, who was serving as a member of the Town of Dover Council at the time, allegedly identified himself as a public official to intimidate a Dover liquor store owner and employee.
Investigators said Rodriguez warned that the business’s liquor license would not be renewed if alcohol sales continued to certain individuals seen drinking nearby.
He later reiterated those claims directly to the owner, prompting an investigation that led to formal charges in January 2025 and a grand jury indictment in June 2025.
The additional assault and harassment charges stem from a February 2024 incident in which prosecutors say Rodriguez confronted three homeless individuals in Dover, knocked a bottle from one person’s hand—causing injury—and then followed the group while attempting to block their path as they tried to leave the area.
That matter was initially handled in municipal court before being transferred to Superior Court for a global resolution.
As part of the PTI agreement, Rodriguez must pay all required fines and fees and is prohibited from having any contact with the victim business. 
The PTI program allows eligible defendants to avoid a criminal conviction if they successfully complete court-ordered conditions.