WOODBRIDGE, N.J. – A Middlesex County grand jury has declined to bring criminal charges against Woodbridge Township Police Officer Hector Rivera following a February 2023 arrest that involved the alleged use of deadly but non-fatal force, officials announced Tuesday.
The grand jury reached its decision on April 9, concluding deliberations after reviewing evidence related to Rivera’s conduct during the arrest of a domestic violence suspect on February 11, 2023. The case had been under investigation by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO), with oversight from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA), in accordance with state directives for use-of-force incidents.
The investigation followed the 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive, which mandates transparency and neutrality in such cases. The process involved witness statements, body camera footage, photographs, and official police documentation, including use-of-force reports. Following presentation of this evidence, grand jurors voted “no bill,” indicating no charges would be filed against Officer Rivera.
According to the MCPO, police were called to a reported domestic violence incident at 9:14 a.m. on February 11, 2023. Upon attempting to place the suspect under arrest, officers said the individual became aggressive and resisted arrest. Rivera was among the officers involved in restraining the suspect.
The suspect was transported to a local hospital, refused medical treatment, and was later brought to the Woodbridge Township Police Department where he was charged. While in custody, the suspect alleged that Officer Rivera had used a chokehold during the encounter.
State oversight and review procedures
Following protocol, a conflicts check was conducted to confirm that no member of the investigative team had a conflict of interest. The investigation was reviewed by the Attorney General’s OPIA and presented to the grand jury by Middlesex County First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet.
Key Points
- Grand jury votes not to indict Officer Hector Rivera in February 2023 use-of-force arrest
- Investigation included bodycam footage, witness accounts, and internal reports
- Incident involved arrest of an uncooperative domestic violence suspect who later alleged excessive force
Per state procedures, OPIA will now determine whether the matter should be referred for internal administrative review under the Attorney General’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures. That review will be monitored to ensure appropriate and timely resolution.
