MANUEL RIVERA SUPPORTS PROSECUTION OF PARENTS OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS AND CALLS FOR AGGRESSIVE ACTION AGAINST JUVENILE CRIME IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Washington, D.C. — Manuel Rivera, Esq., candidate for Attorney General of the District of Columbia under the DCGOP banner, today expressed strong support for recent reports that interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro is pursuing criminal accountability against parents whose children repeatedly engage in criminal conduct in the District of Columbia under laws related to contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Rivera stated that he has consistently advocated throughout his campaign for stronger enforcement of existing laws addressing juvenile delinquency, parental accountability, child neglect, abuse, and abandonment. “The laws are already on the books,” Rivera said. “What has been lacking is the political will and leadership to enforce them consistently and effectively. Residents throughout the District are telling me they are afraid to go outside at night because of groups of juveniles committing robberies, assaults, car-jackings, and intimidation in our neighborhoods.” Rivera, who has practiced law in Washington, D.C. for approximately 40 years, stated that many residents feel the current approach to juvenile crime has failed to restore confidence in public safety. “Despite claims by the current Attorney General that a high percentage of juvenile cases are prosecuted, the reality experienced by residents on the streets tells a different story,” Rivera said. “Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and working families are increasingly concerned about safety in their own communities. There must be greater accountability and transparency regarding how juvenile crime is being handled.” Rivera noted that under D.C. law, juvenile offenders may be prosecuted under Title 16 of the D.C. Code, including for curfew violations and other delinquent acts. He further explained that parents and guardians who fail to supervise or control children engaged in criminal conduct may also face legal consequences through child neglect or abuse proceedings in Family Court and, in appropriate cases, criminal referrals to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “As Attorney General, I will work cooperatively with federal law enforcement and the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure that the laws protecting children and communities are enforced,” Rivera said. “Civil proceedings involving child neglect and criminal prosecutions can proceed simultaneously without violating constitutional protections against double jeopardy.” Rivera emphasized that many families facing juvenile delinquency issues are struggling with poverty, substance abuse, and generational instability. However, he stated that compassion for those circumstances should not prevent intervention when children are placed at risk or communities are endangered. “In many cases, these families need services, treatment, counseling, and support,” Rivera said. “But when parents fail to provide proper supervision and children repeatedly commit crimes, government agencies must intervene promptly to protect both the child and the public.” Rivera also criticized what he described as misplaced spending priorities within the District government. He argued that millions of taxpayer dollars are being directed toward programs that do not adequately address public safety concerns while residents continue to demand stronger action against violent juvenile crime. “The number one issue I hear from constituents is public safety,” Rivera stated. “People want safer streets, accountability, and leadership focused on protecting residents. Taxpayer money should first go toward combating crime, supporting vulnerable residents, improving housing, healthcare, and strengthening communities.” Rivera further criticized the District’s Fair Elections Program, arguing that it disproportionately benefits entrenched political interests while making it difficult for independent and minority-party candidates to compete. “I chose to withdraw from the Fair Elections Program because I believe the system unfairly advantages established political structures,” Rivera said. “I am funding my campaign primarily with my own resources and small donations from residents who want honest government and safer communities.” Rivera concluded by pledging that, if elected, he would donate his first year’s salary as Attorney General to nonprofit organizations serving District residents in the areas of crime prevention, housing assistance, healthcare, and community support services. “For more than 40 years, I have lived, worked, and raised my family in the District of Columbia,” Rivera said. “I am running for Attorney General because I believe the people of this city deserve safe neighborhoods, accountable leadership, and equal justice under the law.” Rivera also criticized what he described as the current Attorney General’s tendency to place partisan politics above the safety and interests of District residents. “The Office of the Attorney General should never become a platform for divisive political rhetoric,” Rivera said. “The people of Washington, D.C. are not at war with the federal government or federal law enforcement agencies. To the contrary, because our nation’s capital is the center of national security and governmental operations, the D.C. Attorney General must maintain strong, professional, and cooperative relationships with federal agencies and the White House.” Rivera pointed specifically to recent public statements by the current Attorney General referring to the District as confronting a “hostile federal government,” arguing that such language unnecessarily fuels political division at a time when cooperation is essential to public safety. “In moments involving public safety and national security, leadership matters,” Rivera stated. “The Attorney General should be working hand in hand with federal authorities, not engaging in inflammatory political rhetoric.” Rivera further criticized the absence of the current Attorney General from a recent high-profile law enforcement press conference following the shooting incident connected to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where representatives from the Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Secret Service, the Mayor’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s office for the D.C. were present. “When incidents occur involving the security of the nation’s capital, the Attorney General of the District of Columbia should be visible, engaged, and coordinating with all law enforcement partners,” Rivera said. “That office requires leadership focused on protecting people, not protecting political narratives.” Rivera emphasized that effective coordination between local and federal prosecutors is critical in major investigations to ensure that dangerous offenders do not exploit procedural gaps or technical issues that could jeopardize prosecutions. “As Attorney General, beginning on my first day in office, I will actively work with federal law enforcement agencies, the White House, and both Democratic and Republican leaders to protect the residents of the District of Columbia,” Rivera said. “Public safety should never be partisan. The people of this city deserve cooperation, professionalism, and competent leadership focused on results rather than political positioning.” Rivera concluded by stating that accountability begins with leadership. “When public officials fail, they should not blame everyone else,” Rivera said. “They should take responsibility, improve performance, and put the people of Washington, D.C. first.”