Mequon Bank Robbery Suspect Jonathan L. Rivera Charged

31-year-old bank robbery suspect drove by the Mequon Police Department and after a short pursuit crashed his vehicle, a 21-year-old woman and an unrestrained child were found inside the vehicle.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

May 11, 2017

Mequon, WI - On Monday, Jonathan L. Rivera, 31, of Milwaukee was taken into custody shortly after robbing a BMO Harris Bank in Mequon, according to police. The criminal complaint states, that Rivera entered the bank and handed a note to the bank teller, he was able to receive about $1,700 cash and then fled the scene.

While driving a getaway red Saturn vehicle, he managed to drive by the Mequon Police Department in a high rate of speed. Police had already been called about the bank robbery. Police chased Rivera's vehicle a short distance and arrested him after losing control on a turn and crashing in a ditch. Rivera attempt to flee on foot from the scene, but surrendered to police.

A 21-year-old female passenger and a small child who was unrestrained were found inside the vehicle that Rivera was driving and abandoned when he lost control. The woman and child were not injured, according to police.

Rivera is also suspected of recently robbing several other banks as well.

Rivera remains in custody at the Ozaukee County jail and a hold was placed on him.

Rivera was charged on Tuesday with three felony counts for robbery of a financial institution, operating a vehicle while fleeing or eluding police and 2nd-degre recklessly endangering safety. If convicted on all counts, Rivera is facing 40 years in prison and up to $100K in fines for the bank robbery, six months in prison and up to $10K in fines for eluding police and 10 years in prison and up to $25K in fines for endangering safety. Rivera is expected to appear in a Ozaukee County court on May 16 and a cash bond of $50K was set.

Rivera is also facing additional bank robbery charges.

In 2014, Rivera was convicted for one felony count for possession of THC (second offense). In 2006, Rivera was convicted for felony possession with intent - THC.