On December 1st a Faribault man pleaded guilty in Rice County court to 3rd degree criminal sexual misconduct with a child under 13. This morning, 34 year old Israel Rivera, was sentenced to 54 months in prison, 10 years probation, must supply a DNA sample and register as a predatory offender. In a heavily redacted criminal complaint, the victim, a young girl, stated that she was sexually assaulted multiple times between 2008 and 2011 by different men that went to her church. The girl, with support from her aunt, was interviewed last year by investigators. She told them
the church did its own “investigation” and suspended the Rivera. He initially told Investigators he was “on Parole” from the church for viewing pornography but became visibly upset when the victim’s name was brought up and then confessed. He’s served 142 days at the Rice County jail.
Nfld Council looks to Re-fi Police Station
The Northfield police station was built with Certificates of participation. Financial Consultant Nick Anhut of Ehlers and Assoc. explains that, “technically the trustee that’s in place owns the facility and the City makes lease payments to the trustee and those lease payments pay off the debt that was issued back in 2012”. The bonds are callable starting in April, meaning, “the City could choose to exersize a refunding or prepay a portion of that debt through the trustee or acquire the facility itself, eliminate the trustee and associated fees just as the Fire facility, for instance, is being financed”. Anhut said this would get them out from the lease agreement, the City would own it and it would cost less in interest. The callable amount will be $5 million 20 thousand with 15 remaining years. Given today’s interest rates as well as existing debt service funds to the trustee, Anhut believes, “that we can eliminate approximately $47,000 of that existing debt service cost on an annual basis through refinancing”. The Northfield Council approved the move unanimously. This sets in motion another opportunity for a reverse referendum on the refinancing.
Community surrounds Estrems after fire destroys their home
Deputy Derek Estrem was just married, he and his wife, Rachel, had bought a house. Now it’s gone. They were out for the evening on December 22nd delivering cards and gifts, when they returned, Rice County sheriff Troy Dunn explains that Derek, also a Nerstrand firefighter, called 911 after discovering their home on fire. Nerstrand, Faribault and Northfield firefighters were on scene nearly 6 hours fighting the fire. The frame is standing but the floor collapsed and everything with it. Dunn said, “it was pretty sad to get there and see Derek standing their in his firefighting gear, water frozen to him, ice all over him and to have lost everything except what he had on his back”. The Sheriff’s office rallied, got them some cash, friends and family brought necessities, the couple moved in with family members. Dunn added that friends also started a GoFundMe page. He said, “I don’t wish that on anyone”. As a couple dedicated to service, Rachel is active military, they were reluctant to accept donations but friends knew they would need it. The Fire Marshall is investigating, Dunn said. The pets were outside in a heated shed.
Exposer pled guilty
A Faribault man accused of indecent exposure pleaded guilty yesterday to a misdemeanor. 26 year old Marte Quintero-Espino was arrested in late November after a woman positively identified him as the man exposing himself to her and her daughters in the Faribault HyVee parking lot. He served 39 days in jail. Quintero-Espino complaint 2913
Christmas tree pickup
Christmas tree pickup is available now through January 12th. Put your tree out curbside by 6:30am with no lights, ornaments or any other decoration. There’s no need to bag it either. DSI will pick it up on your regular day for free.
