Wed Jan 22 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Rivera Couple Accused of Covering Up Child Sex Abuse
**New Rochelle, NY** – Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife, Clara, are facing a lawsuit alleging they covered up the sexual abuse of a minor. The lawsuit, filed in Westchester County Supreme Court, claims the Riveras, who lead the Refuge of Hope church in New Rochelle, knew about the abuse but failed to act, instead silencing the victim.
The victim, identified as Jane Doe, was allegedly abused by another minor, “MG,” during a 2018 summer internship in Florida sponsored by their church. Clara Rivera is accused of facilitating the girl’s attendance at the camp. The lawsuit alleges that after learning of the abuse, the Riveras intimidated Jane Doe into silence to protect the church’s reputation. The abuse allegedly continued at a barbecue at the Riveras’ former home.
The lawsuit also names Ruben Tavarez Jr., son of a Refuge of Hope associate pastor, as an abuser, citing an incident in August 2021. The complaint further notes that Ignite Life Center, where the internship took place, has been connected to multiple other child sex crime arrests involving the sons of pastors and a former volunteer.
The Riveras have not yet responded to the allegations. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.
First Piper 