A man from North Jersey now potentially faces decades behind bars after pleading guilty to possession of child porn and naturalization fraud-related charges.

Federal authorities say from June to October 2022, 29-year-old Ramy Mercado of Jersey City used his cell phone to transmit more than 20 video files depicting the sexual abuse of minors, including infants or toddlers.

Mercado also used his cell phone to communicate his desire for sexual encounters with young children.

Officials also say that during that time period, Mercado applied for and obtained U.S. citizenship and stated under penalty of perjury that since his citizenship interview, he had not committed any crime or offense for which he had not been arrested. In fact, Mercado had illegally possessed child porn files.

Mercado became a naturalized U.S. citizen on June 22nd of last year.

Potential Prison Time

Mercado pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography, which carries up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He also pleaded guilty to one count of naturalization fraud, which could send him to prison for a decade with an additional $250,000 fine.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 22nd.