The long-running federal lawsuit between Bais Brucha and the Township of Toms River has entered a new phase after a U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered Mayor Rodrick to turn over his Township-issued electronic devices as part of the discovery process.

The case stems from allegations by Bais Brucha and Khal Anshei Tallymawr that Toms River unlawfully blocked efforts to establish and construct an Orthodox Jewish house of worship. The plaintiffs claim Township officials discriminated against the Orthodox Jewish community through zoning and land-use decisions, while the Township has denied those allegations.

According to a July 1, 2026 letter order issued by U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin T. Quinn, the court found that Mayor Rodrick had not produced his Township-issued devices despite discovery requests. During a hearing on the plaintiffs’ second application for sanctions, the judge stated that the devices likely contain relevant information and ordered the mayor to immediately provide them to Township counsel. The court gave counsel until July 14 to review the devices and produce any responsive materials.

The discovery dispute follows more than two years of litigation, with multiple motions and court proceedings over evidence production. The plaintiffs have argued that delays in obtaining documents and electronic communications have slowed the progress of the case.

Bais Brucha has indicated it is considering additional legal action regarding the alleged failure to comply with the court’s discovery order. The underlying lawsuit over the proposed shul remains pending in federal court, and the outcome of the discovery process could influence how the case proceeds.