MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of sex crimes against two girls has been arrested in Marion County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Christopher Rivera, 30, was arrested Wednesday on charges of sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and two counts of lewd or lascivious conduct, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
One of Rivera’s alleged victims told investigators on June 16 that she had been sexually abused by him some time between 2016 and 2017, the release states. A second victim reportedly spoke with detectives after the initial investigation had already begun, telling them of a similar scenario with Rivera, deputies said.
“In both cases, the juvenile explained that Rivera utilized threats and fear of punishment to prevent them from disclosing the abuse,” the release states.
Rivera was brought into the sheriff’s office for an interview on Wednesday, during which he allegedly denied the allegations and “placed blame on the victims for the abuse‚” said investigators, who added that he was later arrested.
Rivera was being held without bond at the time of this writing, records show.
The sheriff’s office believes there may be other victims. Anyone with information about other potential victims is urged to contact the sheriff’s office at 352-732-9111.