2006 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
JAMES P. LYNCH, ACTING CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA INFORMATION

May 26, 2006

Acting Camden County Prosecutor James P. Lynch announced today that Roberto Rivera, 32 years of age, of Camden, New Jersey, was sentenced to 38 years in New Jersey State Prison, 19 of which must be served without parole eligibility. The defendant was convicted by jury in January of three counts of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of terroristic threats.

The defendant was convicted of sexually assaulting two children over the course of three months on numerous occasions. Additionally, he had threatened to kill them if they reported him to the police. In a four day trial, the victims told the jury of the defendant’s sexual assaults and threats to which they had been subjected.

The case was tried by former Assistant Prosecutor Jill Cohen before the Honorable Samuel D. Natal. The sentencing hearing was conducted by Assistant Prosecutor Michael W. Chewkanes before Judge Natal.

Chewkanes told the court that the defendant’s prior record of two convictions for assault and two convictions for drug dealing justified a sentence that included a substantial period of parole ineligibility.

Acting Prosecutor Lynch commended the work of former Assistant Prosecutor Cohen, Investigator Kim Jennings and Investigator Eric Wren for their hard work in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. In addition, he praised the cooperation of the young victims. “This defendant preyed upon innocent, defenseless children. Despite the ordeal they had to endure, these victims came to court and provided critically important evidence in this case. Through their courage and the skill and professionalism of the investigators and Ms. Cohen, justice prevailed.”