Merced man arrested on accusations of making child pornography and sexual abuse

Dec. 2—A Merced man has been arrested on accusations of creating child pornography, according to authorities.

Merced Police Department detectives served a search warrant at a home on West 21st Street at 10:44 a.m. Wednesday, after receiving a tip that someone at the residence was creating child pornography, according to a department social media post.

Police said Rey Isaiah Romero, 23, was identified as a suspect and arrested on suspicion of creating child pornography, possession of child pornography and sexual abuse related charges.

During the investigation detectives identified a minor depicted in the pornography and was determined that person was a victim of continuous sexual abuse by Romero, according to police.

Romero was booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of continuous sexual abuse of a child, lewd or lascivious acts with child under 14 years, sexual penetration of a child under 14 years of age, possess scene matter of minor sexual conduct and sending/selling obscene material, according to jail records.

He remains in custody in lieu of $350,000 bond.

Police said it is unknown if there are additional victims and ask anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Detective Adrian at 209-385-4731 or by email at adriana@cityofmerced.org.

Some crimes can be reported through the Merced Police Department website and anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 209-385-4725.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to law enforcement through the Merced Area Crime Stoppers website.

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