Police Seek Fugitive Accused of Four-Year Assault on Vulnerable Adult

Gilberto Juarez-MercadoGilberto Juarez-Mercado /Submitted Image

KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a Kennett Square man accused of sexually assaulting a mentally disabled adult over the course of four years.

Gilberto Juarez-Mercado, 46, is wanted on multiple charges, including rape by force, rape of a mentally disabled person, and sexual assault. The Kennett Square Police Department began its investigation on February 7, 2025, after the victim disclosed the abuse to a caretaker. The alleged assaults occurred at a residence in the 700 block of South Washington Street.

According to investigators, Juarez-Mercado, who has also been known as Gilberto Juarez or Gilberto Mercado, was a family acquaintance of the victim. Officials believe he fled the area prior to the victim’s report, and attempts to locate him have so far been unsuccessful.

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The police are seeking public assistance to determine Juarez-Mercado’s whereabouts. He is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

The warrant for Juarez-Mercado was issued on May 1, 2025, by District Court 15-3-04. Anyone with information on his location is urged to contact Sgt. Christopher Gravina at 610-444-0501, via email at tips@kennettsquarepolice.org, or through the department’s tip webpage.

Criminal charges are merely allegations, and Juarez-Mercado is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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