An additional charge was filed Friday by the Madisonville Police Department against Jose Jaime Rivera, a local store owner who was arrested on multiple felony indictments related to the sexual abuse of children Feb. 26.

The charge filed Friday was indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, a second degree felony. According to an MPD Facebook post, Rivera turned himself into the Madison County Jail Monday at roughly 9 a.m. before he was released on a $20,000 bond.

After the arrest was made in February, MPD officials stated they believed there could be more victims involved in the case.

The initial charges against 46-year-old Rivera included two counts of Sexual Assault of a Child, one count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, one count of Sexual Abuse of a Child Continuous (victim under the age of 14) and one count of Indecency with a Child by Sexual Assault.

Last month, MPD Chief Herbert Gilbert put out a press release to the community, specifically to those who may have been fearful to come forward with facts regarding the investigation based on their immigration status.

“(MPD) would like to reach out to our citizens in the Hispanic/Latino Community in reassuring them that there is no reason to be fearful, and that our priority is the protection of all victims of potential crimes in assuring justice is served,” said Gilbert in the March press release. “The police department makes no determination of immigration status or other legalities concerning status.

“While (MPD) makes no claims as it may relate to this case, it is not uncommon for predators to prey on victims knowing they will not speak or come forward based on those fears of immigration status.”

MPD initially investigated the case for approximately one month before ultimately searching Rivera’s store, El Mercadito Produce, located at South May Street (Highway 75 South) with the necessary warrants. Rivera was at that time booked into the Madison County Jail before he was released on a $195,000 bond.

MPD urges anyone with information related to this case to reach out to them at 936-348-3317.