Brockton Mayor charged with assault and battery

Brockton Mayor Moises Rodrigues has been charged with assault and battery following allegations that he inappropriately touched a 17-year-old high school student during a city parade on May 22. The student, a member of the Brockton High School marching band, alleged that Rodrigues wrapped his arm around her waist and placed his hand on her shoulder while whispering, ‘Play this again’ and ‘Do this again for me.’

A Massachusetts State Police investigation reportedly cited 13 witnesses and identified video and photographic evidence supporting the claims. The incident gained wider attention in June when the student’s mother confronted Rodrigues during a high school graduation ceremony.

Rodrigues has denied the specific details of the encounter, previously testifying that he did not recall the interaction and did not know the individual. He has since issued an apology, stating he did not intend to make the student feel uncomfortable. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Hingham District Court on September 28.