Binghamton Man Sentenced for Violating Protection Order

A Binghamton man will spend up to three years in state prison after prosecutors say he violated an order of protection by contacting the victim while he was already being held in the Broome County Sheriff's Correctional Facility.

Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti announced that 28-year-old Eric A. Rivera Jr. was sentenced in Broome County Court following his conviction for an Aggravated Family Offense.

Broome County Court Sentences Rivera as Second Felony Offender

Rivera pleaded guilty on June 9, 2026, and was sentenced as a second felony offender by Broome County Court Judge Carol A. Cocchiola.

He will serve up to three years in state prison. The court also issued an order of protection for the victim that will remain in effect for eight years.

Prosecutors Say Rivera Called Victim From Broome County Jail

According to the Broome County District Attorney's Office, Rivera made a video call to the victim at approximately 7:02 p.m. on February 20, 2026, while he was an inmate at the Broome County Sheriff's Correctional Facility.

Prosecutors say the contact directly violated an order of protection issued just three days earlier in Binghamton City Court.

Rivera was present when Judge Debra J. Gelson issued the order on February 17 and knew its requirements, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Broome County Records Show Prior Conviction Involving Same Victim

The District Attorney's Office says Rivera had previously been convicted of second degree criminal contempt on November 10, 2025.

That conviction stemmed from a separate offense involving the same family or household member.

District Attorney Battisti said Rivera's decision to contact the victim while in custody demonstrated what he described as a pattern of disregarding the victim's safety.

Case Handled Through Broome County STRIVE Program

The case was handled through STRIVE, or Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence.

The Broome County District Attorney's Office describes STRIVE as a coordinated domestic violence response that brings together prosecutors, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and community agencies to support victims and hold offenders accountable.

Deputy District Attorney Amanda Cronin prosecuted the case with assistance from District Attorney Investigator Julie Kipling. The Broome County Sheriff's Office investigated.

Get our free mobile app

Editor's note: Information in this article is based on details provided by the Broome County District Attorney's Office.

These Upstate New York Resources Can Help If You’re Being Stalked

If you’re dealing with stalking, harassment, or intimidation in Upstate New York, you don’t have to figure it out alone. This list breaks down trusted, confidential support organizations by region so you can find help near you, whether you’re ready to talk, need safety planning, or just want to know your options. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start, and this is a place to do exactly that.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor