In Prattville, Alabama, a man who prosecutors say deeply affected the community last year has admitted his guilt and received a sentence. Grevi G. Rivera-Zavala pleaded guilty to second-degree rape, as confirmed by 19th Circuit District Attorney CJ Robinson. Autauga County Circuit Court Judge Joy Booth sentenced him to 10 years in prison, following which he will be handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation.
The incident took place at a restaurant in Prattville in May 2023. The victim, a teenager, recounted that Rivera-Zavala forcibly took her into a bathroom stall, restrained her, and committed the assault. Robinson mentioned that the victim and Rivera-Zavala were not acquainted, indicating that the assault was a random act.
Rivera-Zavala, who entered the country unlawfully, had a criminal history in Honduras but was released after a brief detention. He has been in custody at the Autauga County jail since his arrest in May 2023.
Robinson expressed, “This crime deeply affected our community. My team collaborated with the victim’s family and the Prattville Police Department to pursue justice for the victim. Given the severity of the crime and the victim’s young age, I am relieved to have eliminated this threat to public safety permanently. I hope that our federal government enforces stricter immigration policies to prevent dangerous individuals from entering the country with criminal intentions. While many individuals come to the U.S. seeking a better life, contribute to their communities, and pay taxes, Rivera-Zavala did not fit that description; he posed a threat, as indicated by his history, and lax policies allowed this crime to occur.”