Bradenton Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Assault and Animal Cruelty Case
A Bradenton man was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted in a case involving domestic violence, firearm charges and animal cruelty, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Daniel Rivera was convicted of criminal mischief, cruelty to animals, felony battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with a witness.
Prosecutors said the incidents occurred at a woman’s apartment in Bradenton on June 24, 2025. During an argument, Rivera allegedly grabbed the woman’s 1-month-old kitten and threw it from a fourth-floor balcony into traffic below.
Investigators with the Bradenton Police Department later observed the woman with black eyes and a laceration on her neck, though authorities said she initially declined to explain how the injuries occurred.
According to prosecutors, Rivera returned to the apartment about three weeks later and another argument took place. During that encounter, Rivera allegedly grabbed the woman by the neck, pointed a pistol at her and later punched her in the face before leaving the following morning.
Authorities said a court later issued a no-contact order prohibiting Rivera from contacting the woman. Prosecutors stated that Rivera later called the victim and urged her to drop the charges.
