Residents on a quiet Arlington street were aghast Thursday to learn a neighbor has been accused of being the “Georgetown Cuddler” — a serial rapist who broke into homes and attacked several college-aged women in the District and Maryland over a decade ago. One resident told The Washington Times she was “totally shocked” to hear that authorities have charged Ernesto Ramon Mercado with the sexual assaults of six victims between 2008 and 2012 in the Georgetown and College Park areas. She said Mr.
Mercado, 54, seemed completely normal, and had never done anything to raise suspicions. The neighbor said her child played with Mr. Mercado’s daughter on occasion when the two were growing up, but the suspect wasn’t as social as his wife was.
She mentioned that he has an adult son as well. Another neighbor, a man, said “We’re still trying to wrap our head around it, that’s for sure.” Most other residents politely turned away probing reporters, but one woman immediately got defensive of the family by telling media members to “Leave them alone!” and threatened to call the police.
No one answered the Mercado family’s door when The Times knocked. Court documents said Mr. Mercado has lived on 1st Street South since 2011.
His wife, minor daughter and other family members have lived at the residence. He has close family in Honduras, the filing said, and investigators believe he may have visited the country in January and June of this year. Mr.
Mercado also volunteer.