Tennessee Child Predator Fugitive Captured in Maryland

CUMBERLAND, MD – Local authorities have detained a man wanted for serious offenses related to child exploitation.

Kenneth Ervin Merica, 24, was arrested by the Cumberland City Police on Thursday as a fugitive from justice. It was discovered he had an outstanding warrant from Sumner County, Tennessee. The charges against Merica include soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor and 12 counts of exploitation of a minor by electronic means.

Following his arrest, Merica was presented before a District Court Commissioner for an initial appearance and was subsequently detained at the Allegany County Detention Center without bond. He is awaiting extradition to Tennessee.