Corrections Officer Paid NJ Teen Before Raping Her: Prosecutor

MOUNT OLIVE, NJ — A New York corrections officer is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Mount Olive after saying he'd pay her for sex, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp said.

Michael Rivera, 26, of Glen Spey, New York, met the teen online in early July 2018, officials say. Two days later, Rivera is accused of meeting the girl in Mount Olive, where he gave her money in exchange for sex, Knapp said.

During the encounter the teen told Rivera to stop; he ignored her and forced himself on her, Knapp said. Afterwards, he took his money back and left, Knapp said.

The teen did not initially know Rivera's name, and only after a year-long investigation were police able to make an arrest, Knapp said.

Rivera faces several charges: luring, sexual assault, promoting prostitution and endangering the welfare of a child. He is employed by the New York State Department of Corrections, but is currently in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a hearing.