NJ Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Possession and Naturalization Fraud

Ramy Mercado faces potential decades in prison following his admission of possessing explicit material and committing citizenship fraud.

Newark, NJ: In a startling court development, Ramy Mercado, 29, from Jersey City, New Jersey, admitted to the possession of child sexual abuse images and naturalization fraud, as stated by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger.

Mercado pleaded guilty to both charges in front of Judge Claire C. Cecchi. Court documents and statements revealed that from June to October 2022, Mercado transmitted over 20 video files using his cellphone, showing the sexual abuse of minors, including very young children. He also expressed interest in sexual activities with minors.

Concurrently, Mercado obtained U.S. citizenship, falsely declaring under oath that he hadn't committed any crimes since his citizenship interview. This act of perjury was contradicted by his illegal possession of child pornography. Mercado became a naturalized citizen on June 22, 2023.

The charges against Mercado are grave: the child pornography count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a $250,000 fine, while the naturalization fraud count has a maximum of 10 years and a similar fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2024.

This case was brought to light thanks to the efforts of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, led by Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit in Newark represents the government in this case.

The guilty plea of Mercado underscores the serious nature of crimes involving child exploitation and the consequences of defrauding the U.S. immigration system. The upcoming sentencing will be a critical moment in addressing these severe offenses.