BROCKTON, Mass— A judge has ruled against extending a harassment prevention order involving Moises Rodrigues following an evidentiary hearing held Monday in Hingham District Court.
The temporary order, which had been in place since June 8, stemmed from allegations made by the family of a former Brockton High School student regarding an interaction during a May 22 appearance at the Huntington Day Parade. The judge’s decision means the order will not remain in effect.
During Monday’s hearing, the 17-year-old former student testified that Rodrigues approached her while she was performing with the Brockton High School marching band and made physical contact, including placing a hand on her waist and leaning in close while speaking to her.
She stated the interaction made her uncomfortable and emotionally distressed, describing it as triggering due to past personal experiences involving unwanted physical contact.
A band director also testified, saying he observed the mayor in close physical proximity to the student and believed the interaction was inappropriate, later reporting that the student appeared shaken afterward.
Mayor’s Testimony
Rodrigues testified that he did not intend any harm and believed any contact may have been incidental while engaging with the band during the parade. He stated he later learned the student felt uncomfortable and attempted to apologize after being informed by school staff.
He also told the court he believed he was attending graduation in his official capacity and did not intend to cause distress, noting he was unaware of the full nature of the complaint at the time of the events.
The matter drew public attention after the student’s mother interrupted Rodrigues during a Brockton High School graduation ceremony on June 6, shouting that he “knew what he did” before being escorted away.
Timeline of Events
May 15 — Separate school event where a complaint was later reported involving physical contact in a group photo
May 22 — Alleged incident occurs during Huntington Day Parade performance
June 6 — Graduation ceremony interrupted by student’s mother during mayor’s appearance
June 8 — Court issues temporary harassment prevention order
June 22 — Judge declines to extend the order after hearing testimony
Court Outcome
After hearing testimony from both sides, the judge decided not to extend the restraining order beyond its temporary period. The case centered on conflicting accounts of the interaction and whether it met the legal threshold for continued protection.
