Adult film actress Mercedes Carrera, known also as Melinda Smith, and pornographic film producer Jason Whitney were arrested on Tuesday for the alleged sexual abuse of a young child, according to CBS Los Angeles reports. The Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, who are investigating the case, believe there may be additional victims.
The investigation began on January 31 after police were alerted to the alleged sexual assault of a minor. Smith and Whitney are accused of multiple felonies including “inappropriate touching, oral copulation, and digital penetration.” A subsequent search of their residence uncovered evidence that supported the young girl’s detailed testimony, including two loaded handguns and a bedroom that appeared to be “set” for recording pornographic videos. Authorities believe the abuse took place over a four-month period.
A porn actress & producer charged with 8 counts of sexual acts with a child under 10. Detectives say the bedroom in their Rancho Cucamonga apartment was set up like a film set & contained evidence that substantiated the victim’s story. PD believes there may be more victims @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/o4f5IYnabN
Both Whitney and Mercedes Carrera pleaded not guilty to eight counts of sexual abuse of a child under 10 years old at their arraignment on Wednesday. Bail was denied, and they remain in police custody.
Beyond her career in adult entertainment, Mercedes Carrera has also gained notoriety for her involvement in the right-wing Gamergate movement. This movement, which began in 2014, initially claimed to be protesting bias in games journalism but quickly became known for the harassment of women in the video game industry.
Mercedes Carrera became a prominent figure within Gamergate and the broader far-right community. She has appeared on platforms hosted by right-wing figures such as conspiracy theorist Paul Joseph Watson and Gavin McInnes, the founder of the extremist group the Proud Boys. In a profile with the Daily Caller, Carrera voiced opinions against feminists and “SJWs” (social justice warriors), a derogatory term used by conservative critics.
Due to the possibility of further victims, the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department has released photographs of Smith and Whitney. They urge anyone who may have been abused under similar circumstances to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Detective Bureau at (909) 477-2800, extension 2850.
