Media Contact: Jennifer Ciaccia: (216) 250-5863; jciaccia@cuyahogacounty.us

Chief of Corrections Dale Soltis Retires, Major Nestor Rivera to Serve as Interim Chief

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH - The Cuyahoga County Corrections Center will soon see a change in leadership. Chief of Corrections Dale Soltis announced his retirement after a 43-year career in law enforcement and corrections. Major Nestor Rivera, a career veteran of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department will serve as Interim Chief of Corrections.

Chief Dale Soltis was selected as the Chief of Corrections due to his vast knowledge and experience in the field of Corrections. Soltis joined the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department in early 2023, overseeing Corrections Center operations. Prior to his service with Cuyahoga County, Soltis served with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department for over 30 years, which included assignments in law enforcement and corrections, where he supervised the daily operations of the Jail. Chief Soltis later worked as the Stark County Jail Commander.

"Cuyahoga County extends its heartfelt gratitude to Chief Dale Soltis for his dedicated service," said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. "As Chief Soltis embarks on a new chapter in his life, we wish him a retirement filled with happiness, good health, and many more cherished moments with his family. We deeply value his service and leadership within the Corrections Center."

“Chief Dale Soltis has served the citizens of Ohio for over forty years, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to public safety and corrections,” said Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel. “He has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and will be greatly missed by the members of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department. Thank you, Chief Soltis, I hope you have a long and wonderful retirement.”

Major Nestor Rivera brings a wealth of law enforcement and corrections experience to the Corrections Center. Rivera began his law enforcement career in 1995 with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a deputy jailer, and then a deputy. Rivera was hired by the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department in 1998, serving in the Narcotics and Canine Units, and as a Task Force Officer with the Caribbean Gang Task Force, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, targeting high intensity drug trafficking areas within Ohio. Rivera is a 2018 graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.

“Major Nestor Rivera possesses extensive knowledge of the daily operations of both the Sheriff’s Department and the Corrections Center, and has consistently exhibited exceptional leadership qualities,” said Sheriff Harold Pretel. “I have full confidence in Major Rivera’s capability to ensure efficiency and functionality within the Corrections Center.”

Cuyahoga County will soon begin the process of selecting a new Chief of Corrections.