Geraldo Rivera's Son Escapes Jail Time After Domestic Abuse Case Plea Deal
Jul. 12 2018, Updated 7:52 p.m. ET
The son of former talk show host Geraldo Rivera accepted a plea deal on Wednesday that will keep him out of jail for allegedly choking and biting his ex-girlfriend in two separate disturbing incidents earlier this year, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.
Cruz Rivera, 30, appeared in court on charges of attempted assault and disorderly conduct. According to a source inside the Manhattan court system, Cruz admitted his guilt.
Per court documents, Rivera was first arrested on May 1 following an attack three days earlier on his ex-girlfriend, Meghan Burke, at the apartment they used to share on West 175th St. in Manhattan. During this dispute, Rivera allegedly choked Burke.
A few days after the shocking incident, Burke returned to the apartment — where Rivera attacked her again, this time putting her in a chokehold and biting her arm and leg when she attempted to break free.
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As part of the plea deal, Rivera is required to complete a domestic batters’ program and must stay away from his ex-girlfriend. The same source confirmed to RadarOnline.com that this requirement is typical in domestic abuse cases. The source also stated that although there is no word on sentencing, the order of protection against Rivera will likely continue.
If Rivera complies with the terms of the deal, in one year only the disorderly conduct charge, which is not categorized as a crime, will remain on his record. A violation of the plea deal agreement would result in a six-month jail recommendation.
Rivera is set to appear in court again on September 28.
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