Kevin John Merritt, a 63-year-old from Jacksonville, has pleaded guilty to producing videos and photos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. This announcement was made by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Merritt faces a minimum of 25 years in federal prison, with the possibility of up to 50 years and a potential life term of supervised release. Previously convicted in August 2011 for possessing child sexual abuse materials, Merritt was arrested on March 16, 2023, and remains in custody. His sentencing is set for February 18, 2025.
The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a "CyberTipline Report" from an online social media app on September 14, 2022. The report indicated that files depicting child sexual abuse materials had been sent via the app's messaging function by user "Jackie Frost" to another user in Jacksonville. This information was forwarded to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) for further action. Detectives obtained search warrants and subpoenas linked to Merritt's internet and cellphone service providers as well as social media apps. The investigation confirmed that Merritt was "Jackie Frost" and had distributed these materials.
On March 16, 2023, JSO detectives executed a search warrant at Merritt’s residence where he was arrested. Several electronic devices were seized including his cellphone which contained an email account linked to "Jackie Frost." Forensic examination revealed over 100 photos and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor who was later identified.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown and Elisibeth Adams following investigations by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local resources.