Mark Rivera Update

Mark Rivera’s bench trial began yesterday, July 12, but did not conclude as expected. The judge and prosecution were eager to complete the trial this week, but the defense attorney was firm that the soonest time she was available to continue was September. The trial will therefore not resume until September 2 at 1:30pm. 

Rivera was first arrested in 2019 and charged with 9 felony counts, including predatory criminal sexual assault of a child under 13 and aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim under 13. Since then, over a dozen survivors have come forward with accounts of abuse by Rivera, with allegations including rape, assault, child sexual abuse, indecent exposure, and grooming. Rivera has also been charged with 2 counts of rape of another victim, and that case is pending.

ACNAtoo grieves that the survivors must continue to wait for resolution, especially after more than three years of numerous cancellations and delays. We will continue to support them in their fight for justice. The survivors are deeply grateful for all of the messages of encouragement that they have received and for the many supporters who came in person for the trial. You may continue to send messages (info@acnatoo.org), especially for the young girl and her mother, who are still legally prohibited from discussing any details of the testimonies, trial, or abuse—even with each other—until after the trial concludes.