Local Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender
A Somerville man has been held accountable for his actions after pleading guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. James Mercer, 51, appeared in federal court in Boston, where he pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender.
According to authorities, Mercer was required to register as a Level 2 sex offender in Massachusetts after being convicted in 1992 and 1996 on state charges. He had previously been convicted twice for failing to register – in 2007 in Florida state court and in 2015 in federal court in Boston.
Following his release from custody in relation to the 2015 federal conviction in Boston, Mercer left Massachusetts without reporting to authorities, as required by law. He was eventually located in California, where he was arrested for failing to update his sex offender registration in Massachusetts.
The charge of failing to register as a sex offender provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anne Paruti is prosecuting the case, which is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. The initiative, launched by the U.S. government in 2006, aims to protect children from exploitation and abuse by marshaling federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims.
The case against Mercer is a prime example of the importance of this initiative. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, we can help keep our communities safe and protect our most vulnerable members.
Mercer’s sentencing has been scheduled for September 12, 2017.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: James Mercer
- Criminal Charges: Failing to register as a sex offender
- City and State: Somerville, Massachusetts
- Date: Not specified (plea and sentencing dates mentioned)
- Sentence: To be determined
- Amount: $250,000 (fine)
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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