Shasta County Man Arrested for Alleged Distribution of CSAM
MILLVILLE, CA –– “In May of 2025, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit reviewed a case referral from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The case referral indicated a subject in Millville, CA was uploading Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) onto a website known for being used to distribute CSAM. Through further investigation the subject was identified as Ethan Cole Mercer, Age 23. Detectives served a search warrant at Mercer’s residence and numerous electronic devices were seized as evidence. As a result, a Felony Arrest Warrant was issued for Mercer on June 9, 2025.
On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Detectives arrested Mercer, and he was later booked into the Shasta County Jail for the following charges:
- 311.11(a) PC – Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material
- 311.2(a) PC – Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material
- 288.3(a) PC – Communicating with a Minor with Lewd Intent
Mercer’s bail is currently set at $100,000.”
