A Harrisville man has pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan.
David Mendum, 46, admitted guilt to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. Sentencing is set for November 25, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Paul Barbadoro.
Court documents and statements reveal that Mendum paid child sex traffickers in the Philippines to produce live-streamed child sexual abuse material, which was then transmitted to him online.
The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation into Mendum’s activities. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Epping Police Department assisted in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting.
“This case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims,” according to information provided by authorities.
More details about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
