A lawsuit filed in Westchester County Court accuses Clara Rivera, senior pastor of Refugio de Esperanza church and wife of New York Yankees Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, of covering up incidents of sexual abuse. The case involves a teenage girl who alleges she was sexually assaulted at events tied to the church, including one incident that reportedly occurred at the Riveras’ primary residence in Rye, New York.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and names both Refugio de Esperanza, a church based in New Rochelle, and 1 Brook View Rye, LLC—the listed address of the Riveras’ primary residence—as defendants. Notably, Mariano and Clara Rivera are not personally named as defendants in the case.
Details of the Allegations
The complainant alleges multiple instances of sexual abuse at church-related events, including one at the Riveras’ residence. According to the court filing, Refugio de Esperanza was founded in the Riveras’ home in 2009, and the family’s involvement in the church has been significant over the years.
The lawsuit suggests that Clara Rivera, as a senior pastor, failed to protect minors attending church functions and may have been aware of the alleged abuse.
Response from the Riveras
In a statement, representatives for the Riveras categorically denied any involvement or wrongdoing. “These allegations are deeply troubling and completely false,” their legal team stated. “The Riveras are committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and ensuring justice for all parties involved.”
Mariano Rivera, widely regarded as one of baseball’s greatest players, retired in 2013 and has since devoted much of his time to religious and philanthropic efforts alongside his wife. The couple has been vocal about their faith and community involvement, making the accusations a shocking development for their supporters.
The Role of 1 Brook View Rye, LLC
The inclusion of 1 Brook View Rye, LLC in the lawsuit underscores its connection to the Riveras’ residence, which has served as a hub for Refugio de Esperanza church events. The complaint alleges that the lack of proper oversight at these gatherings created an environment where abuse could occur.
Refugio de Esperanza’s Statement
The church issued a brief statement addressing the allegations: “We are fully cooperating with the investigation and remain committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our congregation, especially our youth.”
Broader Implications
This lawsuit not only raises questions about the safety protocols within Refugio de Esperanza but also about the responsibilities of church leadership in preventing and addressing abuse. Legal experts suggest the case could lead to significant financial and reputational consequences for the church and affiliated entities.
Next Steps
As the case moves forward, investigators will likely examine the operations of Refugio de Esperanza, the alleged incidents at the church and the Rivera residence, and the potential role of church leadership in addressing—or failing to address—the accusations.
The teenage plaintiff and her legal team have expressed hope that the lawsuit will bring accountability and help prevent similar incidents in the future.