A Worcester man faces charges related to the alleged sexual exploitation of two minors. Antonio Merced, 26, has been charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. He is currently in state custody for related offenses and will appear in federal court in Worcester at a future date.
According to the criminal complaint, on or about July 13, 2024, Merced allegedly filmed himself sexually assaulting two minor victims. Previously arrested in September 2024, Merced was charged in Worcester District Court with multiple offenses including dissemination of obscene material to a minor and aggravated rape of a child.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and could result in up to 30 years in prison, along with supervised release for life and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division; and Interim Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto from the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program involves federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
It is important to note that these details are allegations contained within the charging document. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Alerts Sign-up