'Monstrous Acts': MA Man Gets Prison For Toddler Sex Abuse, Recordings

TAUNTON, MA — A 25-year-old Taunton man will serve 25 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting an 18-month-old toddler and recording the abuse for distribution, according to prosecutors.

Tuesday's sentencing came after Cody Mercure, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography in January.

According to federal prosecutors, Mercure began abusing the toddler in February 2021, and then distributed a recording of the act online using a messaging app. He also distributed depictions of child sexual abuse of a separate prepubescent child, prosecutors said.

"It is challenging to find the words that capture just how abhorrent and destructive this conduct was. This man sexually exploited an innocent 18-month-old child — a defenseless toddler who, at the time, was still in diapers — and recorded the abuse to watch again and again for his own sick gratification," U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins said in a news release.

After the 25-year federal prison term, Mercure will serve 15 years of supervised release, prosecutors said.

The case was investigated by numerous law enforcement agencies, including Taunton police, Rhode Island state police and Homeland Security Investigations.

"Mercure committed monstrous acts against a child and caused irrevocable pain in the lives of so many. We hope that today’s sentence offers resolution and peace for the victim and their family in this incredibly difficult time," Acting Special Agent in of HSI in New England Michael Krol said.