Somerset man charged with sex crimes against minor

Authorities say Jesse Rivera, 43, subjected a girl under 12 to sexual contact and had other alleged victims

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A 43-year-old Somerset man named Jesse Rivera has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse following a week-long investigation by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. Detectives said the case began on February 13 after they received evidence that Rivera subjected a girl under the age of 12 to sexual contact, and as the investigation continued, they discovered other alleged victims who reported inappropriate contact by Rivera.

Why it matters

Sexual crimes against minors are a serious and disturbing issue that can have long-lasting traumatic impacts on victims. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for accountability for those who commit such offenses, especially when there are multiple alleged victims.

The details

According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Jesse Rivera was arrested on Thursday following the week-long investigation. Detectives said the case began on February 13 after they received evidence that Rivera subjected a girl under the age of 12 to sexual contact. As the investigation continued, investigators said they discovered other alleged victims who reported inappropriate contact by Rivera. Rivera is now charged with first-degree sexual abuse, and the evidence involving all potential victims will be presented to a Pulaski County grand jury.

  • The investigation began on February 13, 2026.
  • Rivera was arrested on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Jesse Rivera

A 43-year-old man from Somerset, Kentucky who has been charged with first-degree sexual abuse.

Pulaski County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and made the arrest.

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What’s next

The evidence involving all potential victims will be presented to a Pulaski County grand jury.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the need for accountability for those who commit sexual offenses against minors, especially when there are multiple alleged victims. It is crucial that law enforcement and the justice system work to protect vulnerable children and bring perpetrators to justice.