Beach Man Arrested For Sexual Abuse

Nov.
15, 2018

The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announced today the arrest of Rene Elmer Rivas, age 48, after a juvenile came forward with information on sexual abuse by Rivas.

The victim told a friend of her experiences with Rivas. The friend convinced the victim to speak to the friend’s mother, who convinced her to come forward to law enforcement.

During
a forensic interview, the victim disclosed Rivas raped her four years ago. He
continued to sexually abuse her for two years.

BCSO
investigators contacted Rivas and interviewed him. Rivas, of 8324 Fields
Street, Panama City Beach, was subsequently arrested and charged with Sexual
Battery on a child under 12 and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation. He was taken
to the Bay County Jail.

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Prepared
by R. Corley

Information
by Inv. C. Williams

Approved
by Sheriff T. Ford