Serial Predator Caught: Ernesto Mercado Charged with 5 Rapes

A 54-year-old Arlington man has been charged with five cold case rapes in the Georgetown area of Washington D.C. between 2008 and 2012.

Ernesto Mercado was arrested last night and is facing three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and five counts of second-degree sexual abuse in connection with the crimes.

The victims reported waking up to a stranger sexually assaulting them, and the assailant fled after the attacks.

Thanks to DNA evidence from rape kits and advancements in DNA technology, Mercado was linked to the crimes. He was held pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 10, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves praised the work of law enforcement officers and prosecutors, saying, ‘Once we had a DNA profile of the suspect, the team used every forensic tool at its disposal, as well as old-fashioned detective work, to identify the person behind this DNA profile.’

Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department credited the Sexual Assault Unit detectives for their tireless efforts in solving the case, saying, ‘They never gave up and today’s announcement speaks to their unending commitment to bring justice to victims.’

The incidents charged include a June 26, 2008, sexual assault, a July 10, 2009, sexual assault, a February 28, 2010, sexual assault, an August 29, 2010, sexual assault, and an August 31, 2012, sexual assault.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.

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