July 31, 2025 – DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton has announced that his office has secured a 38-year sentence in the Mississippi Department of Corrections for Fernando Medina Rivero, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, following his convictions for sexual battery and fondling.
Rivero was given 38 years for sexual battery and 15 years for fondling, with the sentences to run concurrently.
Rivero’s sentencing follows a guilty verdict earlier this year after a two-day trial where jurors heard testimony detailing his predatory actions. Evidence presented in court highlighted the serious harm inflicted on the victim, as well as Rivero’s blatant disregard for the law. The District Attorney’s Office had requested that Rivero receive a life sentence for his crimes.
Fernando Medina Rivero
“Those who prey on children have no place in our community,” said Barton. “Rivero robbed an innocent victim of her childhood and shattered her sense of safety in her own home. This conviction and this sentence shows our commitment to delivering justice for our victim and protecting the residents of DeSoto County.”
Rivero remains in custody and still faces prosecution in other jurisdictions for additional crimes. This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Steven Jubera and investigated by Hernando Police Department.
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
