A self-proclaimed fitness influencer faces charges after a booze-fueled crash on Long Island. The incident, which unfolded with her two young children in tow, marks not her first bout with drinking and driving, according to revelations from prosecutors made on Monday.
Jesher Rivera-Barreto, 31, appeared in Suffolk County court donning a wheelchair as she confronted new DUI allegations stemming from a chaotic Saturday night incident on Montauk Highway. This reckless crash resulted in minor injuries for her and her children, stirring memories of a prior 2020 DWI conviction that has come back to haunt her.
Prosecutors accuse Rivera-Barreto of putting not only her own life at risk but also the lives of her young ones.
“Your honor, we’d also like to note that the vehicle had overturned,” stated Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Katelynn Flynn in court, addressing Judge John Zollo. “The three occupants of the vehicle, including the defendant and the two children, needed to be extricated from the wreckage, so we are requesting that order of protection, please.”
Flynn further emphasized, “Additionally, they are keeping her medicated.”
Police said Rivera-Barreto, who fancies herself a fitness influencer with just over 2,000 Facebook followers online, posted photos of herself sipping on an espresso martini earlier on Saturday.
Around 11:30 p.m., she allegedly got behind the wheel with her 1-year-old son, who celebrated his birthday last month, and his 4-year-old brother — then lost control and smashed into a wooded area in Brookhaven — leaving all three with minor injuries.
Both children were later released from NYU Langone Hospital to their father.
Rivera-Barreto was charged under Leandra’s Law for allegedly driving drunk with children in the car, drunken driving and two counts of child endangerment.
She was cut loose on supervised release after her arraignment Monday — and later burst into tears outside the courtroom when her mother came over to hug her.
Prosecutors said she was convicted of DWI in 2020 but did not release further details.