For Immediate Release
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Alexander Tehrani-Mercedes, 18, of Kissimmee, for 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.
FDLE’s investigation began after the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office provided agents a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip reported a user that uploaded multiple files of child sexual abuse material. Upon further investigation, the associated information identified Tehrani-Mercedes to be the account holder.
On May 21, agents served a search warrant on Tehrani-Mercedes’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. An initial forensic examination located several images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some as young as 3 years old.
FDLE’s Cybercrime Task Force in Orlando is investigating the case, which remains active.
Tehrani-Mercedes was booked into the Osceola County Jail without bond pending first appearance. Additional charges are possible pending further forensic analysis. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit.
Please visit the FDLE website to review tips for keeping your children safe online at https://secureflorida.org/Family-Safety/BPParents.htm.
