Inmate Indicted on Terroristic Threat Charge Pleads Not Guilty

Published on August 07, 2013

Acting Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp and Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford announce that Christian G. Rivera, 28 years old, of Dover, pleaded not guilty today to one count of making Third Degree Terroristic Threats to a Morris County Corrections Officer.

The charge stems from an alleged incident in the Morris County Correctional Facility on October 10, 2012 when the defendant allegedly threatened a crime of violence upon a Morris County Corrections Officer while lodged at the Facility. At the time of the alleged incident, defendant was indicted on three counts of First Degree Robbery and various related charges. He was committed to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail on those charges. Defendant was subsequently indicted on June 13, 2013 for the alleged October threat.

Defendant remains committed to the Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

The State is represented by Assistant Prosecutor/SDAG Stephen Bollenbach.

Acting Prosecutor Knapp stated, Corrections Officers perform a thankless job and are the backbone of the criminal justice system. Any threat of violence to a Corrections Officer, or to any other law enforcement officer, must be dealt with immediately and with all available resources to ensure deterence.

Acting Prosecutor Knapp thanks the Morris County Sheriff's Office and the Morris County Correctional Facility for their assistance in this matter.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Any inquiries can be directed to First Assistant Morris County Prosecutor/SDAG Thomas Zelante at 973-285-6252 or tzelante@co.morris.nj.us.