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Press Release - Charges Filed Against Emanuel Rivera
PRESS RELEASE
May 27, 2020
Prosecutor Francis A. Koch announces that Emanuel Rivera, age 36, of Vernon Township was charged with one count of second-degree Official Misconduct and one count of fourth-degree Criminal Sexual Contact. Mr. Rivera is a police officer in Vernon Township.
In late February 2020, the Vernon Township Police Department received information that Officer Rivera engaged in criminal activity while on duty. Vernon Police Chief Daniel Young immediately referred the matter to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office filed the above charges against Officer Rivera after a three-month investigation. Officer Rivera has been suspended from duty since the allegation was made.
The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office alleges that during the early morning hours of May 11, 2019, Officer Rivera responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Vernon Township. A female subject of the call was asked to leave the residence. It is alleged that shortly thereafter, Officer Rivera located the victim and engaged in illegal sexual contact through coercive means.
The charges represent only allegations of criminal activity and Officer Rivera is presumed not guilty of the charges unless, and until, the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation into the alleged conduct of Officer Rivera is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lt. Nicholas Elmo with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. He can be reached at 973-383-1570, ext. 4553.