Law and Order, Local Police Reports, Park Forest

Merrillville Man Charged with Aggravated Battery to a Child Following Park Forest Police Investigation


Juan Rivera, aggravated battery to a child
Juan Rivera, 22, of Merrillville, IN, was issued a bond of $2 million. (Photo: PFPD)

Alleged Victim Is His Four-Month-Old Daughter

Park Forest, IL-(ENEWSPF)- A Merrillville man has been charged with a Class X felony, aggravated battery to a child, by the Office of the Will County States Attorney following investigation by members of the Park Forest Police Department Investigations Division, police said in a statement.

The man, Juan Rivera, age 22 of Merrillville, Indiana, has been issued a bond of $2 million.

According to police, on January 31, 2019, the Park Forest Police Department learned that Rivera had taken his four-month old daughter to Saint Margaret’s Hospital in Dyer, Indiana, in severe distress with injuries consistent with violent shaking and blunt force trauma. The investigation revealed that Rivera allegedly caused the injuries to the child while alone with her at a home on the 200 block of Nauvoo St. in Park Forest, police said.

The child remains in critical condition at an area hospital, and her long-term prognosis is uncertain.

“The Park Forest Police Department would like to thank the members of the Dyer Police Department who were essential in assisting with this investigation, especially with the logistical issues that arise in incidents that cross state lines, as well as the compassionate medical staff at Saint Margaret’s Hospital,” police said.

“We offer our sincerest condolences to the mother and family members of this young victim, and our continuing well-wishes for her long-term prognosis,” police said.

“Finally, we issue the reminder that our legal system affords the presumption of innocence until proven guilty for all defendants,” police said in the statement.


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