By: Najla Alexander
NJ authorities announced that a Hudson County man admitted possessing explicit images of minors and committing naturalization fraud.
U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger stated that Ramy Mercado, 29, of Jersey City, pleaded guilty before Judge Claire C. Cecchi to an information charging him with one count of possession of explicit images of minors and one count of naturalization fraud.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From June 2022 to October 2022, authorities say, Mercado used his cell phone to transmit more than 20 video files depicting the explicit contact of minors, including infants or toddlers.
According to officials, Mercado also used his cell phone to communicate his desire for explicit contact with young children.
During this time, Mercado applied for and obtained U.S. citizenship and stated under penalty of perjury that since his citizenship interview, he had not committed any crime or offense for which he had not been arrested, officials stated.
In fact, officials said Mercado had illegally possessed explicit images of minors and became a naturalized U.S. citizen on June 22, 2023.
The count of possession of explicit images of minors carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, officials say.
Officials said the count of naturalization fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Authorities say sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2024.