Josue Efrain Rivera

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A Lititz man has been sentenced to state prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting a young girl in his Lancaster County home, authorities announced on Monday, Dec. 1.

Josue Efrain Rivera, 43, pleaded guilty on Nov. 4 to raping and molesting a child at his home on the 800 block of Hopeland Road between 2022 and 2025, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.

Rivera confessed to the abuse after turning himself in to Northern Lancaster County Regional Police in January, investigators said. He admitted to touching and having sex with the victim multiple times. The child later confirmed Rivera’s claims during a police interview.

Judge David Ashworth sentenced Rivera to 10 to 25 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to the following charges:

  • Felony Rape of a Child
  • Two counts of Felony Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Child
  • Felony Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse by Forcible Compulsion
  • Three counts of Felony Indecent Assault (Victim Under 13)
  • Felony Corruption of Minors
  • Felony Unlawful Contact with a Minor

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa prosecuted the case. NLCRPD Officer Matthew Speicher led the investigation.