Taunton man indicted by a federal grand jury on child exploitation charges

BOSTON – A Taunton man was indicted today by a federal grand jury in connection with sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography.

Cody Mercure, 24, was charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. Mercure is currently in state custody and will appear in federal court at a later date.

According to the indictment, between Dec. 29, 2020 and April 3, 2021, Mercure engaged in and recorded sexually explicit conduct with a toddler. On Jan. 16, 2021, Mercure allegedly distributed child pornography.

The charge of sexual exploitation of children provides a sentence of at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of distribution of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Rhode Island State Police and the Taunton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Mendell’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood.