Date of Offense
Offense(s)
Official Statement
Terminated: Yes
Demoted:
Suspended:
Other Sanction:
Resigned, retired, transferred, or separated while case was pending:
# of Days Suspended:
Sustained Charge: Conspiracy to commit Official Misconduct
Description: While on duty, Ptl. Rivera responded to a dispute on May 10, 2019. Later during the same
working shift, Ptl. Rivera came into contact with the same female involved in the dispute, while she was parked on a side street. The female later claimed that Ptl. Rivera made unwanted sexual advances toward her. The interaction originally went unreported by the female victim, however, it was reported by a friend of the involved female during a jail transport on February 27, 2020. An investigation was immediately initiated by the Vernon Township Police Department and turned over to the county Prosecutors Office for investigation. Pursuant to the investigation, the Prosecutors Office charged Ptl. Rivera with Criminal Sexual Contact and Official Misconduct. Ptl. Rivera was suspended without pay pending the adjucation of the case. On January 5, 2023, Ptl. Rivera plead guilty to two counts of 2nd degree Conspiracy to Commit Official Misconduct. His sentencing included a 5 year prison term (concurrently) and permanent ban of public employment. Ptl. Rivera was terminated by the Vernon Township Police Department.
