Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues was arraigned Friday afternoon after an alleged incident with a high school student.
The Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office previously confirmed to Fall River Reporter that the case against Rodrigues was transferred to its office from Plymouth County. Court records show that he is facing an assault and battery charge and that the case was transferred to Hingham due to a conflict. The complaint was issued on Tuesday.
The allegations surfaced in June after the teen’s mother confronted Rodrigues at Brockton High School’s graduation ceremony.
The alleged incident occurred during a parade on May 22nd and has been the subject of social media discussion since the graduation.
Rodrigues is accused of inappropriately touching a 17-year-old Brockton High School student. The student alleges that Rodrigues approached her while she was performing with the school’s marching band, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pulled her closer. The teen said the interaction made her uncomfortable.
Rodrigues has said he does not recall coming into contact with the teen.
Court records show that at arraignment in Hingham District Court. Rodrigues pled not guilty and was released on personal recognizance. Conditions include staying away from victim/witness, no contact with victim/witness, stay away from court ordered location, stay away from Brockton High School (defendant to attend school committee meetings virtually), and no unsupervised contact with minors (unless biological children).
The arraignment was initially scheduled for Monday morning, however, a motion to reschedule by Rodrigues was allowed.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for November 6th.
