Army Sergeant Major Convicted in Central Texas Abuse Case Sentenced to 25 Years

After being charged in 2021 with indecency with a child, sexual conduct, and sexual assault of a child under the age of 17, Fort Hood soldier Sgt. Maj. Victor Manuel Rivera has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, officials announced on Wednesday, June 17, according to KCENT.

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What Happened In 2021?

Rivera was arrested five years ago at a residence in the 2900 block of Stillhouse Lake Road following a joint investigation conducted by the Harker Heights Police Department and the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. A military jury convicted Rivera on June 12 at the Lawrence J. Williams Judicial Center. In addition to the 25-year prison sentence, Rivera was ordered to forfeit all pay and allowances, reduced in rank, and will receive a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Army. The Army stated that Rivera abused two victims who were under the age of 16. According to investigators, the abuse began when one of the victims was younger than 12 years old. Lt. Col. Tara Goble, a prosecutor with the Fifth Circuit, Army Office of Special Trial Counsel (OSTC), described the case as a "success story."

LT Col. Say This Case Is A Success Story

"This was a huge success story for the two investigative agencies working together and for Army CID utilizing its resources to conduct an extensive digital forensic analysis of Sgt. Maj. Rivera's phone years after his arrest," Goble said. Goble added that the case serves as a strong example of the progress made in information sharing between Bell County and the Army."Coordination occurred at both the investigative and prosecution levels, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration and cooperation," Goble said