Ernesto Mercado, a 54-year-old Arlington, Virginia resident, has been charged with a series of sexual assaults in the Georgetown area, following a breakthrough in a long-running investigation by local and federal law enforcement. As reported by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Mercado faces three counts of first-degree sexual abuse with aggravating circumstances, and five counts of second-degree sexual abuse in relation to five unsolved home invasion rapes between 2008 and 2012.
The arrest is credited to the collaborative efforts of the Cold Case Sexual Assault Initiative, a partnership between the MPD and the U.S. Attorney's Office, with additional support from other agencies. U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves highlighted the importance of DNA evidence, which, along with "improvements in DNA technology, and the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners and our prosecutors," enabled authorities to match six rape cases to a single assailant. Despite the complexities of such cold cases, new forensic tools and diligent detective work have been instrumental in bringing charges against Mercado. In a statement obtained by the MPD, it's noted that the detectives involved "never gave up and today’s announcement speaks to their unending commitment to bring justice to victims."
The series of assaults for which Mercado is charged includes incidents that occurred between June 26, 2008, and August 31, 2012, all within the District of Columbia. Victims reported being awakened by the perpetrator and assaulted in their homes before the assailant fled. The defendant's connection to these attacks was established through DNA evidence and further corroborated using other investigative methods.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Platt and Amy Zubrensky are leading the prosecution. As the investigation progresses, authorities stress that a complaint is merely an allegation; Mercado, like any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. A preliminary hearing is set for October 10, following an order by The Honorable Heide L. Herrmann to hold Mercado, as reported by the MPD release.
This case is not yet closed, as investigations continue. The MPD and FBI encourage anyone with information regarding these or other sexual assaults to contact authorities at 202-727-9099 or text the tip line at 50411.
