Babysitter Faces Felony Charges After Crash

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A man who was arrested while watching a friend's children faces a host of charges. New York State Police investigating a car crash on I-84 at 7 p.m. Saturday said they found the driver, Joey I. Rivera of the Bronx, was under the influence of alcohol, operating the vehicle without the owner’s permission, and had a suspended license due to a previous DWI conviction.

In the car were his two charges, children under 16. Both were in the back seat but one was not properly restrained, police said. Further investigation determined Rivera possessed a stolen Electronic Benefit Card, and had used it to purchase goods prior to the accident.

Rivera, 38, faces charges of Driving While Intoxicated with a Previous Conviction within 10 years, Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated with a Child less than 16, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation in the 1st degree, all class E felonies; Operating a motor vehicle without an Interlock Device, Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the 3rd degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd degree, Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information in the 3rd degree, Petit Larceny, all class A misdemeanors; Reckless Driving, an unclassified misdemeanor; and multiple vehicle and traffic law violations.

The children were transported to the hospital and released to family shortly after in good health.

Rivera was arraigned before the town of Kent Court, and sent to the Putnam County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash bail or $30,000 bond. Rivera is next scheduled to appear before the court on May 7, 2018, at 12 p.m.

PHOTO: Joey Rivera/ NYSP