BRIEF: Woman heads to trial in sexual abuse case

May 10--A Johnstown woman was ordered to stand trial, accused of having images of unclothed children on an electronic device, authorities said.

Heather Nicole Mercado, 32, of the 400 block of Decker Avenue, was held for court following a preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge Michael Musulin, of Johnstown.

City police said a family member found a small electronic device and SD card in Mercado's bedroom after the woman had moved out.

The family member notified Cambria County Children and Youth Services after examining the device and finding images of unclothed children, some in handcuffs, according to a criminal complaint.

Police obtained a search warrant and allegedly found the device contained "157 photographs of naked females, all under age 18" and "3 links to child pornography web sites."

Mercado was charged with one felony count of sexual abuse of children and one misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children.

She was returned to Cambria County Prison after failing to post 10 percent of $100,000 bond.

Patrick Buchnowski is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 532-5061. Follow him on Twitter @PatBuchnowskiTD.

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