Jose Carlos Rivero continued to officiate MLS games even after being arrested and charged with two felonies on October 6th.
Rivero was arrested in New York on charges surrounding worker’s compensation fraud, claiming he collected $14,000 in unlawful benefits.
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He was allowed to continue as an MLS referee, most recently officiating last Sunday’s match between the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew.
The Professional Referees Organization did not announce when they became aware of Rivero’s arrest, but released a statement regarding his recent suspension.
After joining the MLS as a referee in 2011, Rivero has worked 17 matches this year, the most of his career. Rivero was scheduled to be the fourth official for Saturday’s match between New England and Toronto.
