Pembroke Pines Man Serving Probation After Plea Deal

Update | September 9, 2026: Mateo Rodriguez's case was resolved in June 2025 with a plea deal for five years of probation, which was accepted by Judge James Colaw. As part of the deal, Rodriguez was not formally convicted.

Mateo Javier Rodriguez, 22, was arrested early Friday morning and charged with two counts of false imprisonment and two counts of domestic battery. Rodriguez has two cases, with one count of domestic battery and false imprisonment for each case.

On October 16, Rodriguez arrived outside a meeting the victim was attending at the University of Florida. After the meeting was over, Rodriguez grabbed the victim and forcefully walked her to his car. Once in the car, Rodriguez struck the victim several times. 

The arrest report in Rodriguez’s second case states that later at his house he “attempted to have sexual intercourse” with the victim by “caressing” her and “attempting to pry her legs open.” He was not charged for any sex offenses. 

Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Officer Kevin Jin reported that after Rodriguez was “unsuccessful at initiating sexual intercourse,” he locked her into his bathroom. 

The victim tried to escape, but Rodriguez shoved her back into the bathroom. While in the bathroom, Rodriguez sexually assaulted her at least four more times, with the victim reporting that Rodriguez asked for oral sex, pulled his pants down, and stood in front of her four to five times.  

Rodriguez said he wanted a lawyer after he was arrested. 

Rodriguez’s bond is set at $575,000.

Editor's Notes: The headline was updated to reflect the outcome of the case