On January 23, 2025, a lawsuit was filed in the Supreme Court of Westchester County, implicating New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera and his wife Clara Rivera in a case concerning the sexual abuse of a young girl during a 2018 church summer camp trip.

It is alleged that Mariano Rivera covered the expenses for Jane Doe to attend the camp, which lacked proper parental supervision.

The lawsuit claims that the Riveras intimidated the victim into silence regarding the abuse, with Clara Rivera allegedly promising to investigate the matter but later discouraging the girl from speaking out to protect the church's reputation.

Rivera's attorney, Joseph Ruta, stated that the couple was unaware of the allegations until 2022, nearly four years after the incidents, when they received a demand letter from an attorney.

The plaintiff, known as Jane Doe, was reportedly sexually abused multiple times by an older camper while attending the unsupervised camp in Florida, an event encouraged by Clara Rivera.

Court documents allege that the Riveras falsely promoted their church activities as safe, despite being aware of the risks involved.

This case sheds light on ongoing issues of child sexual abuse at Ignite Life Center, where three individuals have previously been arrested for related offenses, including a former volunteer sentenced for molesting a minor.

The lawsuit details multiple instances of abuse, including incidents involving a church leader at the Riveras' home in 2021 and 2022.

Following the abuse, Jane Doe and her mother filed police reports in both New York and Florida, although it remains unclear if any criminal charges were pursued.

Ignite Life Center has a troubling history, having previously settled lawsuits from three other abuse victims and faced charges against two affiliates for crimes against minors.

Ruta has described the lawsuit as containing inaccurate statements and expressed confidence that it would not succeed in court, emphasizing the Riveras' charitable reputation.

Mariano Rivera, recognized as Major League Baseball's all-time saves leader and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, now faces scrutiny over these serious allegations.