October 23, 2025

West Hollywood Man Arrested for Alleged Child Molestation

News Summary

A 42-year-old man was arrested in West Hollywood for allegedly molesting a minor. Elmer Mercado is facing charges for lewd acts against a child under 14. The arrest raises concerns as investigations into related sexual assault incidents in the area continue. Besides this case, authorities are also hunting for additional suspects linked to other sexual assaults reported nearby. Community members are urged to report any suspicious behavior to enhance public safety.

West Hollywood: Man Arrested for Molesting a Minor as Investigations into Additional Sexual Assault Cases Continue

A man has been arrested in Los Angeles County for allegedly molesting a young girl in West Hollywood. The arrest was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is continuing its investigation into other sexual assault incidents in the area. Elmer Mercado, 42, was taken into custody following reports of an attack on Tuesday evening involving two minors, one of whom is under the age of 14.

Deputies responded to the area of Hayvenhurst Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard around 5 p.m. after being alerted to the incident. The young girls informed authorities that an unknown man had assaulted one of them. Following their report, sheriff’s deputies identified and arrested Mercado. He has been charged with annoying and molesting a minor, as well as committing lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old.

This is not Mercado’s first encounter with law enforcement. He has a prior arrest for a lewd act that resulted in a lesser charge after a plea deal. As of Wednesday morning, he was being held on a bail of $100,000.

In a separate and ongoing investigation, sheriff’s deputies are looking for information regarding another sexual assault incident that happened shortly after midnight on August 13. A woman reported being attacked while walking on North Sweetzer Avenue. The alleged attacker is described as a Hispanic male, standing between 5’6″ and 5’7″ tall, aged between 18 and 30, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a dark long-sleeve sweater along with dark shorts that had a light-colored stripe, and a dark driving cap. Surveillance photos of this suspect have been released to assist the investigation.

Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Special Victims Bureau, through their toll-free tip line.

Another separate case is currently under investigation involving a woman who reported being sexually assaulted by a man she met via a dating app. This incident occurred around 3:20 a.m. on a Sunday at a hotel in West Hollywood. The woman noted that the man’s appearance did not match his dating profile, a situation commonly referred to as catfishing. Despite feeling uncomfortable, she continued with the meeting, which ultimately resulted in the assault. Following the incident, the victim was evaluated at a medical center in West Hollywood. However, the suspect remains unidentified and no description is available at this time, as detectives were off duty due to the Labor Day holiday when the report came in.

This series of incidents comes against the backdrop of a rise in reported sexual assaults in the West Hollywood area. A man suspected of multiple attacks in West Los Angeles was recently released on bond, prompting detectives to seek out additional victims who may have previously remained silent.

The ongoing nature of these investigations highlights the serious concern over sexual violence in the community, and authorities stress the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior or incidents to help ensure public safety.

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Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD

The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD

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