Southwest Miami-Dade Man Arrested for Allegedly Drugging and Raping a Minor at Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater

SWEETWATER, Fla. – In a shocking incident that took place at the Dolphin Mall in Sweetwater, a southwest Miami-Dade man has been apprehended and faces a felony charge of sexually assaulting a minor after allegedly drugging and raping her in a bathroom. The suspect has been identified as David Rivero.

According to law enforcement officials, the distressing incident occurred on December 10th around 3:30 p.m. at the Dolphin Mall, situated at 11401 NW 12th St. The 11-year-old victim informed her mother about the rape, describing that she was given a marijuana-infused gummy by a stranger at the mall. The suspect then lured her into a family bathroom, where he forcefully undressed her and violated her virginity.

After receiving the alarming revelation, the victim was immediately taken to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she underwent a thorough examination. The medical examination confirmed the assault, further supporting the victim’s statement to the doctor.

Although the arrest report omits the details regarding the identification of David Rivero, it mentions the presence of surveillance footage, which captures both the 11-year-old girl and the 33-year-old suspect entering and exiting the family restroom.

While the report does not disclose any alleged confession from the suspect, authorities were able to apprehend Rivero. Notably, the accused resides less than a mile away from Kendale Lakes Elementary School.

David Rivero has been arrested and charged with sexual battery of a minor by an adult. As of Tuesday morning, he remains in custody without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.