Teen charged with sexual misconduct at Historic Track

GOSHEN — Following a sex month investigation, Goshen Village Police have charged an 18-year-old in connecting with at least a dozen reported incidents of suspected sexual misconduct with horses stabled at the Historic Track. The investigation involved visual and electronic surveillance of various stalls and locations at the track, the police said. On Dec. 17, officers arrested Erick F. Rivera, 18, of 40 Park Place in Goshen. Police charged him with one count of third-degree burglary, a felony; one count of sexual misconduct with an animal, a misdemeanor; and petit larceny, a misdemeanor. Police said additional charges would be filed. The department also is awaiting the results of DNA testing “from various items of evidence that have been recovered from the previous incidents,” according to the report. The police have determined that Rivera had no affiliation with the Historic Track or its employees. The investigation also determined that Rivera lived in close proximity to the track and committed these acts by himself. No other persons are thought to be involved, police said. The police said the Historic Track management, horse owners, and trainers cooperated fully with the investigation. The police also received electronic surveillance assistance from Ronald Cota of Goshen, a retired New York City detective who currently operates Centurion Telephone Sales and Service, Inc., in Goshen, Rivera was arraigned before village Justice Thomas Cione and sent to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash bail pending a future court date.