Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the recent sentencing of two individuals in connection with child exploitation cases.
Robert Christian McMorrow of San Diego, California, and Scott Kevin Merrill of Moselle, Mississippi, were both convicted and sentenced following investigations initiated by CyberTips reported to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office.
The office conducted the investigations and prosecuted both cases.
Attorney General Fitch emphasized the importance of vigilance and reporting in combating child exploitation. She said,
“My office is dedicated to finding and removing predators from communities across our state before they have the opportunity to do more harm,” said Fitch. “I hope that these cases will serve as an important reminder to speak out if you suspect a child is being exploited. One tip could start the journey to justice for a young life and spare countless others from ever being abused.”
On August 5, Harrison County Circuit Court Judge Larry Bourgeois sentenced 27-year-old McMorrow, to 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections. McMorrow will serve 6 years without the possibility of parole, followed by 5 years of supervised probation for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). At the time of the crime, McMorrow was temporarily stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) assisted in the investigation. Upon his release, McMorrow will be required to register as a sex offender.
Similarly, on July 23, Jones County Circuit Court Judge Dal Williamson sentenced 67-year-old Merrill, to 40 years in prison. Merrill will serve 10 years without the possibility of parole, followed by 5 years of supervised probation for Possession of CSAM. Like McMorrow, Merrill must register as a sex offender upon release.
These cases were part of the broader efforts by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Cyber Crime Division, which operates the State’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. This task force includes more than 80 law enforcement agencies across Mississippi.
Attorney General Fitch encouraged the public to report any information regarding the sexual exploitation of children online. Reports can be made 24/7 through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) hotline at 1-800-843-5678 or online at www.cybertipline.org. Tips are relayed to the Attorney General’s Office for further action.
