(Vernon, CT) – Matthew C. Gedansky, Tolland Judicial District State’s Attorney, and Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney, announced that the Honorable Kathleen E. McNamara today sentenced Carlos Rivera and Taina Rivera, previously of Vernon, to 20 years, execution of that sentence suspended after 14 years served, and 20 years of probation on three counts of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree. Taina Rivera was sentenced to 20 years, execution of that sentence suspended after 12 years served, 20 years of probation on two counts of Sexual Assault in the Second Degree and one count of Sexual Assault in the Third Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-71 and § 53a-72a. Carlos Rivera will be required to register with the Sexual Offender Registry for a lifetime period, and Taina Rivera will be required to register for 10 years.
The Riveras’ sentencings follow their arrest in April of 2022 after a lengthy investigation by detectives with the Vernon Police Department, Hartford Police Department and Manchester Police Department. In April of 2022, Vernon Police received a complaint from a juvenile victim of the sexual abuse perpetrated by Carlos and Taina Rivera. As a result of that complaint, investigations were launched in multiple jurisdictions, and the Riveras were arrested for the sexual assault of three individuals related to them. Both Carlos and Taina Rivera worked in concert together to sexually assault the three individuals, two of whom were minors at the time. On July 26, 2024, they both pleaded guilty to sexual offenses against these three victims.
During today’s lengthy sentencing hearing in Rockville Superior Court for both defendants, victims and family members recounted the horror of their sexual abuse and the lasting effects of the Riveras’ crimes on the family. The State requested that Carlos Rivera be sentenced to 18 years to serve, and Taina Rivera be sentenced to 16 years to serve, due to the horrific nature of the crimes, the number of victims, as well as the extremely egregious behavior of a married couple perpetrating sexual assaults together.
The State wishes to thank the survivors of these sexual assaults and their family members for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of these cases. While no sentence can undo the harm that these defendants caused, it will ensure that the Riveras’ cannot victimize anyone else for a significant period of time. The State would also like to thank the Vernon Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Hartford Police Department, with special thanks to Detective Cody Flanigan of the Vernon Police Department.
This case is being jointly prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Jaclyn Preville and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Stacey Cox, with assistance from Victim Advocates Tracy Miller-Freeman and Rita Riccardi.