Towanda man sentenced up to 64 years in prison for sexual crimes against children

TOWANDA, Pa. ( WETM ) — A Towanda man was sentenced recently and could see up to 64 years in prison following a conviction back in April for sexual crimes against children.

According to the Bradford County District Attorney's Office, 34-year-old Jonathan Rivera was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years to a maximum of 64 years in a state correctional facility.

Rivera was sentenced following several convictions for endangering the welfare of children, indecent assault, indecent exposure, and corruption of minors.

Rivera was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police in 2018 for offenses that happened at different times and locations dating as far back as 2009. The DA's office said the offenses were against four children ranging from eight to 12 years old. The court said the crimes were done in various locations throughout Pennsylvania, including Scranton, Tobyhanna, Carbondale, and Towanda Township.

Originally charged in 2018, Rivera was found guilty of the charges in 2019, but in 2023 the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction on a legal technicality, thus setting up a new trial.

After the court's decision in September of 2023, Rivera posted bail and was released from prison after spending more than four years in a state correctional facility.

Rivera was Tried by the courts again in April 2024 where he was found guilty on the charges.