Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues Faces Assault and Battery Charge Involving High School Student

BROCKTON, MA — Brockton Mayor Moises M. Rodrigues is facing a misdemeanor assault and battery charge following allegations involving a 17-year-old Brockton High School student during a city parade earlier this year.

The criminal complaint, filed on September 15, 2026, stems from an incident that allegedly occurred during Brockton's Huntington Day Parade on May 22.

According to court documents and published reports, the student, a member of the Brockton High School marching band, alleged that Rodrigues placed his arm around her waist, pulled her closer and touched her shoulder while she was playing her trombone.

The student reported that the interaction made her uncomfortable.

Allegations and Investigation

The incident gained public attention following Brockton High School's graduation ceremony on June 6, when the student's mother confronted the mayor about the alleged interaction.

The allegations subsequently prompted an investigation by Massachusetts State Police, which included reviewing witness accounts and other evidence related to the incident.

A temporary harassment prevention order was issued in connection with the matter. However, on June 22, a judge declined to extend the order after determining that the legal requirements for an extension had not been met.

The judge's decision regarding the harassment prevention order was separate from the criminal proceedings that followed.

Following an August clerk-magistrate hearing, probable cause was found to issue a criminal complaint against Rodrigues.

On September 15, prosecutors filed a single misdemeanor assault and battery charge.

The case is being handled outside Brockton because of conflict-of-interest concerns.

Mayor Rodrigues Denies Wrongdoing

Rodrigues has denied wrongdoing and maintained that he did not intend to make the student uncomfortable.

He has also stated that he does not recall the specific interaction described in the complaint.

His attorney, Theodore Barone, has indicated that the mayor intends to contest the charge in court and does not plan to resign from office.

The defense has also raised questions about a $150,000 demand letter sent on behalf of the student's family.

However, the family's attorney, Alex Grant, has disputed the defense's characterization of the letter, explaining that it concerns a potential civil action against the city and is separate from the criminal prosecution.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and Rodrigues is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Community Reaction and Public Concerns

The case has generated public discussion in Brockton, with residents and local officials expressing differing views about the allegations and the mayor's conduct.

According to published reports, City Councilor Marlon Green acknowledged community concern surrounding the situation.

Brockton resident Alba Cordero Soto also publicly described a separate interaction with Rodrigues that she considered inappropriate and expressed concern about the allegations involving students.

Other residents have defended the mayor or emphasized the importance of allowing the legal process to proceed before drawing conclusions.

The reported reactions reflect differing individual perspectives and should not be interpreted as a representative measure of public opinion across Brockton.

What Happens Next?

Rodrigues is scheduled to appear in Hingham District Court on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., for his arraignment.

At that proceeding, the court is expected to formally address the criminal charge and determine the next steps in the case.

The mayor has indicated through his attorney that he intends to contest the allegation and remain in office while the legal process continues.

As of September 20, no conviction has been reported, and the criminal case remains pending.

Haitian Globe will continue to follow developments in the case, including the upcoming court proceedings and any official statements from the parties involved.