Port Jervis building inspector due in court in harassment case
David Rivera is accused of demanding money from a man, raising his fist and threatening to “knock [his] teeth down [his] throat.”
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Port Jervis Building Inspector David Rivera is due to be arraigned in city court Wednesday in connection with a harassment charge stemming from an alleged confrontation over money.
Court documents allege Rivera approached a man in Port Jervis on June 16 and demanded money before threatening to “knock [his] teeth down [his] throat.”
The complaint alleges Rivera also raised his left fist during the confrontation before lowering it.
Rivera, 53, was charged with second-degree harassment, a violation that carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 days in jail.
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It is unclear whether Rivera remains employed as the city’s building inspector. City officials have declined to provide information about his employment status or comment on the case, citing personnel matters.
An order of protection was issued on behalf of the alleged victim.
The Port Jervis city judge previously recused himself from the case, and a judge from the Town of Mount Hope was assigned to preside.
Rivera has faced criminal charges before while serving as the city’s building inspector.
He pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in 2023 to resolve a sexual abuse case after prosecutors said they consulted with three women who accused him of sexual harassment while he was on duty. Orders of protection were issued on behalf of the women.
Rivera was also found not guilty in 2021 in connection with a bar fight involving his wife and another woman who had accused him of sexual misconduct.
Rivera previously served as a part-time building inspector for the Town of Greenville. The town supervisor told News 12 last year that a new building inspector had been hired.
News 12 has calls out to Rivera’s Legal Aid attorney and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for more information about Wednesday’s court appearance.
