Ocala man arrested on child sexual abuse charges

(Geraldo Rivera-Serrano, Booking photo; Image credit: MCSO)

On February 21, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced that their Major Crimes Detective Henrik Osthed arrested 62-year-old Geraldo Rivera-Serrano for six counts of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Younger than 12 Years of age and one count of Lewd or Lascivious Molestation of a Child Older than 12 Year of Age.

On February 6, MCSO was made aware of two juvenile victims who disclosed long-term sexual abuse at the hands of Rivera-Serrano. Both victims provided detailed accounts of incidents in which Rivera-Serrano would isolate himself and one of the children so that he could molest them over and under their clothing.

During the incidents of sexual abuse, Rivera-Serrano would tell the juvenile victims that he was playing “games” or “tickling” them. He also told the victims that if they kept the abuse a secret, he would not do it to anyone else.

Throughout his investigation, Detective Osthed learned that Rivera-Serrano had traveled to Puerto Rico for vacation. When confronted with the victims’ allegations, he employed methods of victim-blaming to create excuses for the crimes he committed and advised he was returning home early to speak with the victims. He acknowledged molesting the victims but claimed he never meant to hurt them. Rivera-Serrano was detained as he pulled into his home, located at 5026 SW 128th Street, in Ocala. During an interview, he refused to speak with Detective Osthed without an attorney.

Rivera-Serrano was placed under arrest and transported to the Marion County Jail, where he is held without bond. Detectives are continuing to investigate other possible incidents of sexual abuse.

Based on the information provided by the juvenile victims and the pattern of sexual abuse corroborated by their disclosures, detectives believe Rivera-Serrano may have victimized other children. Anyone with information that could assist with the continued investigation is encouraged to call Detective Osthed at (352) 351-4710.

(Source: MCSO)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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