Freeport man convicted of threatening 2 women with a gun in 2019

A Freeport man was convicted of multiple criminal charges relating to an incident in which he threatened two women with a gun in 2019.

Michael Rivera, 30, of Freeport, was convicted last week for carrying a firearm without a license — a third degree felony — and five misdemeanors, including counts of terroristic threats, simple assault by physical menace and harassment, according to a press release from Armstrong County District Attorney Katie Charlton.

Rivera was arrested in March of 2019 after he was accused of threatening two women with a handgun. The women said Rivera, who was apparently intoxicated, verbally threatened them and pointed a handgun at them in the area of Market Street and 4th Street.

During an investigation conducted by Freeport Police, Officer Christopher Kovacs identified a vehicle that had been in the area shortly before the incident. The vehicle’s owner told police he had dropped Rivera off on Market Street after he was kicked out of their home for being intoxicated and handling a gun. The vehicle owner said Rivera brought the gun with him, handling it in an unsafe fashion.

Rivera lived a short distance from the scene and did not know the women he threatened.

Freeport police later recovered Rivera’s handgun, along with the magazine and ammunition.

The jury deliberated only about 15 minutes before returning guilty verdicts on all counts. Armstrong County Judge James J. Panchik presided over the case.

Charlton commended First Assistant District Attorney Daniel F. Gleixner and the Freeport police officers who conducted the investigation.

“I was extremely pleased with the hard work of all those involved, as well as the verdict itself,” she said. “It is important that we continue to diligently pursue all leads concerning the possession of illegal firearms and firearm-related violence. These types of crimes are not only extremely dangerous, but they also threaten the protections of the 2nd Amendment, which are held dear by law-abiding and responsible firearm owners, especially those who have a valid permit to carry a firearm in Pennsylvania.”

Rivera’s bond was revoked after the jury announced the verdict. He was committed to the Armstrong County Jail to await sentencing, scheduled for July 6.