County attorney issues releases on guilty verdict, sentencing

A Nobles County jury on Friday returned a verdict finding Jose Hernandez-Rivera

of Worthington guilty of felony burglary, stalking, and two counts of criminal sexual Conduct, according to a press release issued by Nobles County Attorney Braden Hoefert.

The jury also found Hernandez-Rivera guilty of two counts of gross misdemeanor Harassment.

The evidence presented at trial was that, on Feb. 24, 2024, Hernandez-Rivera sexually assaulted the victim in the hallway of her apartment building and then entered her apartment without her consent. The victim left to go to a neighbor’s apartment, where she called 911.

Officers responded and apprehended Hernandez-Rivera without incident. Hernandez-Rivera was a neighbor of the victim, living in the same

apartment complex with his wife and family.

The trial lasted three days and was tried by Special Assistant Nobles County Attorney Jenna Peterson on behalf of the state. The jury deliberated for an hour and 15 minutes before finding Hernandez-Rivera guilty of all charges. Sentencing is set for Nov. 16.

In the press release, Hoefert reaffirmed his commitment to vigorously prosecute all

cases of sexual violence in Nobles County and thanked the members of the jury for their attention and service, as well as the victim of the offense for her bravery.

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In another press release, Hoefert said that Wuilmer Matey Alfaro of Worthington was sentenced Tuesday to 144 months in prison in Nobles County district court. Matey Alfaro’s case was set for jury trial April 15-17, but Matey Alfaro pled guilty the morning of the trial to one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 18.

During his guilty plea, Matey Alfaro admitted to sexually penetrating the daughter of his then-girlfriend, and to using force during the sexual penetration. Matey Alfaro was sentenced to the presumptive sentence of 144 months imprisonment under the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines and was given credit for the 361 days he had already spent in jail.

The case was prosecuted by Hoefert.