Deputy Accused Of Sex With Minor Held On High Bond

ORLANDO

On Tuesday morning, bond was set at $250,000 for an Orange County deputy who was arrested on child sex charges.

The Sheriff's Office said Louis Mercado, 45, was taken into custody Monday on charges of sexual battery on a minor.

Deputies said the alleged abuse began in January 1992 when the boy was 7 to 9 years old, and it continued until the victim was 16 or 17 years old.

According to officials, the sexually explicit activity often happened when the boy spent the night at Mercado's home.

Mercado has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. He has been with the Orange County Sheriff's Office since 1992 and was currently serving as a school resource officer.

Mercado has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case.

The victim is now 24 years old and his aunt called investigators.

Police revealed that a couple of days ago, Mercado made contact with the victim. They said he called him on the phone, admitted to the abuse and apologized.