DS Arrests Child AbuserBureau of Diplomatic SecurityWashington, DC December 27, 2006 Diplomatic Security Arrests Fugitive Child Abuser In Puerto Rico On December 20, 2006, Special Agents from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security arrested Miguel A. Rivera in Aguada, Puerto Rico. Diplomatic Security Special Agents from the San Juan Resident Office and Secret Service Special Agents from the San Juan Resident Office detained Mr. Rivera based on a possible case of passport fraud in order to verify his identity. Mr. Rivera's fingerprint record revealed a felony criminal warrant for probation violation in Beacon, NY. Mr. Rivera had been living in Puerto Rico as a fugitive since 1993. The probation violation stems from initial charges of first degree reckless endangerment of a child when Mr. Rivera was convicted of causing serious bodily injury to a minor. Although Mr. Rivera's passport was in order, Diplomatic Security and the Secret Service filed federal charges in Puerto Rico on December 22, 2006, based on a criminal complaint which indicated Mr. Rivera had made false statements about his identity, Social Security number, date of birth, and criminal history to federal agents during the course of the investigation. "Diplomatic Security aggressively pursues passport and visa fraud and crimes related to those federal felonies," stated Miami Field Office Special Agent in Charge Edgar Moreno. "When a case involves individuals who endanger the lives of children, Diplomatic Security, along with our colleagues from other federal agencies, will pursue the cases to the fullest extent of the law." Criminal complaints are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Diplomatic Security is the worldwide law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State with special agents assigned to U.S. diplomatic missions overseas and field offices throughout the United States. Diplomatic Security special agents conduct passport and visa fraud investigations worldwide and are responsible for security at 285 U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world. Contact: L. Kendal Smith RAC Christopher Tremann
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