A Worcester man pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to sexually exploiting 3 minor girls, authorities said Thursday.
Antonio Merced, 28, admitted to 3 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and 1 count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Margaret R. Guzman. Sentencing is set for November 21st. Merced was charged in November 2024 and remains in state custody on related charges. Court documents show that in July 2024 Merced exposed 2 minor victims to pornography and sex toys.
A subsequent investigation uncovered multiple sexually explicit videos he produced using 3 minors on three dates in 2023 and 2024. He was arrested in September 2024 and faces additional charges in Worcester District Court, including dissemination of obscene material to a minor; open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior; dissemination of child sexual abuse material; intimidation; enticing a child under 16; and 2 counts of aggravated rape of a child.
Each count of sexual exploitation of a minor carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison; possession of child pornography carries up to 20 years. Both offenses include up to a lifetime of supervised release and fines of up to $250,000. Sentences will be determined under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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