Man charged in rape of 14-year-old

Man charged in rape of 14-year-old

In a disturbing revelation, a 24-year-old is being accused of allegedly raping his 14-year-old Waterbury neighbor.

David Mercado, of 1272 Mayflower Avenue, was arrested on August 11 and charged with rape in the second degree, criminal sexual act in the second degree, criminal sexual act in the third degree and acting in a manner injurious to a child.

Rumors of the arrest had been circulating in the Waterbury-LaSalle community for over a week, as local police worked to apprehend Mercado, who local residents feel could be a possible menace to the community.

 “The 45th Detective Squad and the Special Victims Unit is investigating this case,” confirmed Ann Marie Morrison, 45th Precinct Community Affairs Officer shortly before the arrest was made.

According to police, Mercado had some sort of a warped relationship with his young victim.  

Mercado was allegedly dating the victim, and according to a police report, the two were having some sort of an affair between July 19 and August 4.

The 14-year-old victim says that they engaged in intercourse on two separate occasions, and oral sex on one occasion.

The alleged incidents occurred inside of Mercado’s residence, at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. at what appears to be two separate encounters, according to the complaint.

“This is totally outrageous if it is true,” said Andrew Chirico, of the Waterbury-LaSalle Community Association. “He would definitely be a predator if he were convicted of this crime. You cannot justify something like these charges.”

“If he is convicted of the crime, and cannot be treated, he should be locked away for good,” Chirico further offered.

Mercado was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court on October 15 to answer for his crimes.

If convicted, Mercado will have to register as a sex offender with the State of New York, not withstanding any prison sentence he may receive.

A conviction of rape in the second degree usually carries a sentence of two to seven years in prison, with the other charges each carrying about equal sentences.

It is not clear if the victim’s family knew Mercado.

Police, to protect her identity, are not releasing the name of the young complainant.