Convicted sex offender arrested on child porn charges

CASSELBERRY, Fla.,None — A convicted sex offender was arrested on charges of child pornography, according to police.

Investigators arrested 42-year-old Stacy Mercer on Friday.

Authorities said Mercer was using his computer to download and share images of child pornography.

WFTV was there when Mercer was booked into the Seminole County jail.

He admitted to looking at pornography, but said he isn't into child pornography.

Mercer was screaming when he arrived at the jail, and only WFTV was there as four deputies dragged him out of a squad car and handed him a cane he carries because of an old back injury.

"Stacy, what were you doing with all that child pornography?" WFTV reporter Daralene Jones asked.

"Ma'am, I didn't download any. No child pornography," Mercer replied.

Mercer has been a registered sex offender since 2006, after serving time in New Jersey for sexual assault.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators said he had been downloading and trading child pornography for more than a year.

They caught him using undercover computer software that traces pornography downloads.

"I am very anxious to make sure he hasn't been taking pictures of kids playing in the neighborhood," said neighbor Jessica Burke.

Investigators said they are going through the hard drive from his computer. They said they do not believe the 10-year-old victims are local.

Mercer admitted he downloads Japanese pornography, but said he doesn't look at child pornography.

"Yeah, I will admit I, I, I watch [pornography]. I am disabled. I don't, you know, just get out and date," Mercer said.

Police said they are required to perform home visits because Mercer is a registered sex offender.

Records show they visited at least every six weeks. The last one was on Thursday.

"Was his computer checked yesterday during the sex offender check?" Jones asked.

"I can't tell you. There are procedures on what they do when they're here. I can tell you that individuals that download have ways of hiding it," said FDLE agent Jeffrey Duncan.

Sex offenders are allowed to have computers, but they must register their e-mail addresses.

Officers said Mercer never did, so he's facing charges for that as well.

Authorities said Mercer will remain in the Seminole County jail without bond.

Mercer is scheduled to face a judge on Saturday.

Investigators said he could face more charges as they review his computer's hard drive.

WFTV