FDNY Captain Accused of Molesting Boys in California

A veteran FDNY captain has been charged with molesting two young boys while he was in California earlier this month, according to a criminal complaint. 

Agents from an FBI task force arrested Wilbert Riera, a 21-year member of the FDNY assigned to the department's emergency medical service unit, Friday at EMS Battalion 23 on Staten Island, where he works, law enforcement sources said. He was arraigned on a fugitive affidavit Monday charging him with multiple counts of lewd act upon a child, a felony.

The alleged crimes happened in Hollywood between Sept. 12 and Sept. 14, according to a criminal complaint. Both boys are younger than 14 years old. 

An FDNY spokesman said Riera has been suspended for 30 days without pay, the maximum permitted under state law.

Riera's attorney, Oliver Storch, said his client waived his right to an extradition hearing to "expedite the process." He's being held in New York pending transport to California.

Storch said his client is "very shocked" and "saddened" by the charges.

"He is a leader who works saving lives," said Storch.

Neighbors in in his Bay Shore community on Long Island shared the sentiment.

"He was a pillar of the community. When Sandy hit, he made sure everyone was OK on the block," said one woman. 

The nature of Riera's trip to California wasn't immediately clear.  

Follow Lori Bordonaro on Twitter @Lori4NY

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