Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Ethan Cole Mercer, Alleged Child Predator in Millville
Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Ethan Cole Mercer, Alleged Child Predator in Millville
Shasta County, CA – The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) has announced the arrest of 23-year-old Ethan Cole Mercer, a Millville resident, on multiple felony charges related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), as well as alleged inappropriate communication with a minor.
This arrest comes after a coordinated investigation led by SCSO’s Major Crimes Unit, which was triggered by a referral from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force—a national initiative that supports local and state agencies in the investigation and prosecution of individuals who exploit children through internet-enabled crimes.
Origin of the Case
According to the SCSO, the investigation began when the ICAC Task Force detected CSAM being uploaded from an IP address traced to Millville, a small rural community in eastern Shasta County. The disturbing material was posted to an online platform that law enforcement officials routinely monitor due to its reputation for being a hub of CSAM distribution.
Digital forensic analysts and investigators from the Major Crimes Unit worked quickly to trace the uploads and identify the suspect behind the activity. Within days, they had enough evidence to secure a felony arrest warrant for Ethan Cole Mercer, who was confirmed to be residing at the address associated with the illegal activity.
Arrest and Charges
On June 10, 2025, one day after the warrant was issued, deputies located Mercer and took him into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Shasta County Jail, where he remains held on serious charges related to child exploitation.
The official charges against Mercer are as follows:
- Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
- Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
- Communicating with a Minor with Lewd Intent
Each of these charges carries severe legal consequences under both California state law and federal statutes. The distribution of CSAM, in particular, is considered a federal offense and could result in long-term imprisonment if convicted.
A Continuing Investigation
While Mercer’s arrest marks a major development in the case, the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are currently conducting a forensic analysis of Mercer’s electronic devices, which were seized during the arrest. Law enforcement officials say additional charges may be filed, depending on the scope of materials recovered and any further evidence of communication with minors.
SCSO and ICAC’s Response
The Shasta County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of cooperation between agencies in tackling online child exploitation. In a statement released Tuesday, the department commended the efforts of the ICAC Task Force and the diligent work of its own Major Crimes Unit:
“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community—our children—is a top priority,” said an SCSO spokesperson. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure individuals who exploit children are brought to justice.”
This arrest highlights the growing challenges law enforcement faces in the digital age, where technology can be misused to commit heinous acts far from the public eye. The SCSO stressed that proactive monitoring, forensic technology, and public awareness are all essential tools in the fight against child exploitation.
Public Awareness and Reporting
Mercer’s court proceedings are expected to begin in the coming days. The case has drawn attention throughout Shasta County, where residents are expressing concern over the dangers posed by internet predators—even in smaller, rural communities like Millville.
As law enforcement continues to build its case, the SCSO reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting children from harm and holding perpetrators accountable.
