Local Man Arrested

Andrew Michael Rivera was arrested today by the Bay County Sheriffs Office after information gathered during a investigation revealed he made a false report alleging Child Neglect against his ex-girlfriend. The investigation, which stemmed from a report Rivera phoned in on the Florida Abuse Hotline on October 25, 2006, was eventually closed with no indications of child neglect or abuse. After making the initial complaint, Rivera called a DCF investigator and left a recorded message stating he may have made the complaint out of spite.

Bay County Sheriffs Office investigators spoke with Riveras ex-girlfriend and she stated he had been making harassing phone calls and stalking her. On October 15, 2006, Rivera telephoned the victim approximately 49 times between 2pm and 7pm. The victim called a deputy to her home to make a complaint and the deputy observed the victims phone ring every few minutes with Riveras phone number displayed on the screen as the caller. The deputy answered the victims phone and advised the caller not to continue with the harassment or he would face criminal charges.

On October 26, 2006,Rivera went to the victims workplace and she advised him to leave and to leave her alone. When she left her place of employment, he followed her to a nearby business and again she demanded he leave her alone. That evening he left five messages on her phone. In one message he advised her he had made a false complaint to DCF alleging child neglect.

On November 7, 2006, Rivera called the victim and informed her he was coming to her house and she had better be ready. On November 8, the victims car was broken into and her medications stolen. The victim stated Rivera had been given keys to her vehicle and had refused to return them. There were no signs of forced entry into the vehicle.

Rivera, DOB 8/28/71, of 2329 Cherry Street, was arrested and charged with Stalking and False Report of Child Abuse. He was taken to the Bay County Jail and booked.

Prepared by R. Sasser
Information by Inv. K. Bowker