New charges filed against Johnstown man involved in kidnapping, killing of Indiana Co. man

Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — According to online court records, new charges have been filed against a Johnstown-area man who authorities say is one of the eight individuals involved in the kidnapping and killing of Indiana County man last fall.

Johnstown police filed charges of simple assault and harassment against 20-year-old Thomas Rivera stemming from an alleged domestic incident in September of 2021.

According to the affidavit, Rivera is accused of physically assaulting a 15-year-old girl during an argument at a residence along Gregg Ave.

Police noted that the victim claimed that she and Rivera were in a relationship together.

Investigators say Rivera reportedly smacked the victim in the face and continuously slammed her head into some cabinets.

Online court dockets show that Rivera will have a preliminary hearing on the assault charges on March 7th.

He is also scheduled to be formally arraigned on the charges in Indiana County on Feb. 28th.

Rivera was also previously charged in November for reportedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Somerset County.

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