Lawrence Man Molested, Drugged Girl, 13, Who Died: DA

LAWRENCE, MA — A 47-year-old Lawrence man provided a 13-year-old Amesbury girl with cocaine, sexually assaulted her then dropped her off dead at a hospital and fled, prosecutors said. Carlos Rivera, 47, was charged with multiple counts of drug distribution and indecent assault. He had a not guilty plea entered on his behalf during his arraignment Tuesday morning at Lawrence District Court. He was not charged with murder.

Prosecutors said Rivera dropped the girl off at the Lawrence General Hospital emergency room before 5 p.m. Monday, May 20. The girl was pronounced dead shortly after. Patch is not identifying the girl at this time because she is a minor.

"She was a beautiful soul inside and out and was very kind to others, especially to those less fortunate," one of the girl's relatives wrote in a GoFundMe message seeking donations for the girl's funeral costs. "(She) had a passion for drawing, loved to listen to music, enjoyed dancing, singing, beach time and spending time with her family & friends."

The medical examiner conducted an autopsy on the 13-year-old girl but the Essex County District Attorney's Office said the cause of death is not yet known.

A judge granted the prosecution's motion to impound court documents until July 1, as the case is still under investigation.

He was charged with two counts of distribution of cocaine to a minor, two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 and one count of indecent assault and battery on a child over 14.

Prosecutors also said Rivera sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl at an earlier date.