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Table of Contents

Taunton Man Accused of Child Exploitation

A Taunton man has been indicted on charges of sexual exploitation of children and distribution of child pornography.

Cody Mercure, 24, allegedly engaged in and recorded sexually explicit conduct with a toddler between Dec. 29, 2020 and April 3, 2021, according to the indictment. On Jan. 16, 2021, Mercure allegedly distributed child pornography.

Mercure is currently in state custody and will appear in federal court at a later date. The charges carry 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 charges were announced by Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston. 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, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse.

“The charges against Cody Mercure are a stark reminder of the horrific crimes that can be committed against children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Mendell. “We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children and bring those responsible to justice.”

The case is part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to protect children from exploitation and abuse. The indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.