LORAIN, OH – The City of Lorain has retained outside legal counsel in the case against Police Sergeant Eric Rivera, who was involved in an off-duty crash earlier this year while driving a city-owned vehicle.
According to city documents, the Law Director’s office submitted a request to the Board of Control on July 18, 2025, to engage Attorney David M. Graves as special prosecutor in the case. The request outlines legal services for Lorain Municipal Court Case No. 2025TRD02380: State of Ohio (City of Lorain v. Eric Rivera), with an amount not to exceed $5,000, to be paid from the Safety/Service Account.
Graves confirmed his acceptance in a letter dated July 15, 2025, detailing that his services will include pre-trial proceedings, responses to motions, discussions with officers and witnesses, and trial representation if necessary. His approved hourly rate is $150.
The underlying incident involves a crash that occurred on Long Avenue while Rivera was off duty. The 2020 Dodge Charger he was driving—an official vehicle issued by the Lorain Police Department—struck two other vehicles and a shed. Rivera reportedly left the scene following the crash. It remains unclear how the incident was discovered or whether any injuries occurred.
The Lorain Police Department placed Rivera on administrative leave and launched an internal investigation. No timeline has been provided for the investigation’s completion, and it is still unknown whether additional disciplinary or criminal actions will be pursued beyond the current case.
Neither Sergeant Rivera nor his legal counsel have issued public statements regarding the matter.
The case is ongoing.