West Hollywood, CA – Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau are seeking additional victims in a sexual assault case involving 42-year-old Elmer Mercado, who was arrested earlier this week on allegations of lewd and lascivious acts on a minor.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies from the West Hollywood Station responded on October 21, 2025, to a report of an assault near the 1000 block of Havenhurst Drive. Two juveniles reported that a man approached and allegedly assaulted one of them while they were walking along the sidewalk.
Authorities say Mercado was taken into custody the same day under booking number #7117861. On October 23, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed two misdemeanor counts of child molestation and annoying a minor. Mercado remains in custody with bail set at $100,000 and a court date pending.
Detectives believe there may be additional unidentified victims and are urging the public’s help in identifying anyone affected.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the LASD Special Victims Bureau at (877) 710-5273 or email specialvictimsbureau@lasd.org. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or visiting http://lacrimestoppers.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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