Federal and local law‑enforcement agencies announced Tuesday that 30‑year‑old Dereck Rivera‑Deleon was taken into custody while working at a Burger King in the 1100 block of Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. The U.S. Marshals Service, working with the Miami‑Dade County Sheriff’s Office and the New York City Police Department, located the suspect after a multi‑agency fugitive hunt.
Coordinated effort brings suspect to justice
U.S. Marshal Ricky J. Patel praised the “seamless coordination and tireless efforts” of the NYPD’s Regional Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Miami‑Beach Police Department. Patel said, “When violent offenders flee to evade justice, we will ensure there is no corner of the country where they can hide.”
The NYPD confirmed Rivera‑DeLeon is accused of raping a woman in Central Park on Oct. 24 and faces additional charges for two other sexual assaults that occurred in the park in 2023 and 2021. The department added that the suspect was apprehended less than two weeks after beginning employment at the fast‑food restaurant.
Local business response
A spokesperson for Burger King told WPBF 25 that Rivera‑DeLeon “worked for Burger King for less than two weeks and is no longer employed.” The company deferred further comment to local authorities.
Detention details
According to Miami‑Dade County jail records, Rivera‑DeLeon is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on an out‑of‑state warrant. The NYPD reiterated its commitment to removing dangerous criminals from the streets, stating, “The NYPD will stop at nothing to get dangerous criminals off our streets.”
What this means for the community
The swift arrest underscores the effectiveness of inter‑agency cooperation in protecting both local and national communities from violent offenders. Residents of Miami Beach can take confidence in the fact that federal and local partners are actively pursuing justice, even when suspects cross state lines.
Authorities have not released further details about the upcoming court proceedings. The case remains under investigation, and additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
