UCPD Sgt. Charged With Filing False Report

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit arrested a Union City Police Department Sergeant on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 following a false reporting investigation.

According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, 49-year old Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez is charged with one count of false reporting to a law enforcement authority, a crime of the fourth degree.  Sgt. Rodriguez was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and released pending his first court appearance, which is scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

A press release issued by the Prosecutor’s Office states, “On August 8, 2024, Rodriguez reported being injured during an encounter with an individual at the Union City Police Department. The individual was then charged with Aggravated Assault. A review of records revealed Rodriguez’ report was incorrect and the assault did not occur.”

Union City Police Chief Anthony Facchini issued the following following statement following the announcement by the Prosecutor’s Office:  “The Union City Police Department is cooperating with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office investigation.  The Union City Police Department is committed to upholding the highest levels of integrity in our service to the public we are sworn to protect.  Through our recurring public safety meetings and our community outreach, we strive to extend ourselves to the public and put into action our continuous dedication to Compassion, Proficiency and Respect.”

Prosecutor Suarez says the investigation was led by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internal Affairs Unit with cooperation from the Union City Police Department Internal Affairs Unit.  The Union City Police Department suspended Rodriguez after it was notified of the charge against him.

The charge against Rodriguez is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.