A man from Farmington, Michigan, Evan Mercer, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually exploiting multiple children. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., who was joined by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Mercer, aged 31, received his sentence from United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg after pleading guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of children. His crimes involved engaging with minors online and recording them in nude and sexually explicit positions. Among the victims was a seven-year-old girl whom Mercer contacted in September 2023 and recorded exposing herself via a web camera. He also solicited nude images from at least two other minors.
The case came to light when a witness discovered the videos Mercer had produced and alerted law enforcement authorities. Upon investigation, authorities found evidence on Mercer's electronic devices.
"This defendant solicited multiple children online and exploited their youth, naivete, and vulnerability to create sexual exploitative images of his victims," stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon. He expressed gratitude towards the witness who reported the crimes and law enforcement for their efforts in bringing Mercer to justice.
Cheyvoryea Gibson highlighted the FBI's commitment to seeking justice for child exploitation victims: "Evan Mercer's sentencing underscores the FBI's steadfast commitment... Mr. Mercer's inexcusable actions against minors... will not be tolerated." Gibson commended the work of Oakland County Resident Agency members, Ferndale Police Department partners, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their vital contributions.
The case was investigated by special agents from the FBI Oakland County Resident Agency and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane Princ, Nhan Ho, and Tara Hindelang.