Man Charged After Allegedly Slapping Child in the Face

A Vernon man is in custody in what police are describing as a case of alleged child abuse, according to court records and an arrest report.

Jeremiah Rivera, 29, of 130 Vernon Ave., apt. 2B, has been charged with third-degree assault and risk of injury to a child, according to an arrest report issued by Vernon police.

Police said they received a report from the state Department of Children and Families regarding "a possible child abuse case" involving  a 9-year-old girl. That prompted a joint investigation between Vernon police and the DCF, an arrest report indicates.

Police said the girl had visible injuries on her face when interviewed by detectives. She did not require medical attention, police said.

The investigation determined that Rivera was responsible for the injuries, police said. According to an arrest report, he allegedly slapped the child in the face on at least one occasion, leaving "a substantial hand print."

He was arrested by warrant at 8:15 a.m. on Monday, police said.

Rivera was initially held on a $25,000 bond, an arrest report indicates.

He appeared in Rockville Superior Court on Monday, had his case continued until June 6 and remained in custody on an $8,000 bond, a clerk said.