The trial of former adult film actress Mercedes Carrera and her husband, Daemon Cris (legally known as Jason Whitney), on multiple felony sexual abuse charges has been postponed once again, with a new start date set for June 4, 2025.

Mercedes Carrera has remained incarcerated for over six years since her initial arrest as the case navigates the California legal system.

Mercedes Carrera and Daemon Cris were apprehended in February 2019. They collectively face eleven felony counts related to alleged sexual abuse involving Carrera’s minor daughter from a previous marriage. The protracted pre-trial period has been marked by numerous delays, largely attributed to motions filed by the defense, and has incurred substantial costs for the state. In 2024 alone, sixteen hearings have reportedly been conducted, underscoring the case’s contentious nature.

The allegations primarily center on a 75-minute audio recording from January 2019, in which a San Bernardino Sheriff’s deputy interviewed Carrera’s daughter. During the interview, the child described alleged incidents of sexual abuse, referring to them as “cuddle sessions.” A subsequent search was conducted at the couple’s apartment, which was also utilized for adult film production. While the child was reportedly kept in a separate room during filming, the discovery of drugs and firearms during the search added to the investigation’s scope.

Initial charges for drug possession and possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled substance were later dropped against both Carrera and Cris. However, Cris faces an additional felony charge, filed on February 3, 2022, for allegedly possessing a weapon while incarcerated. The specific nature of this weapon has not been publicly detailed.

Mercedes Carrera has consistently denied all accusations. Her defense has asserted that the allegations were fabricated as part of a contentious custody battle with her ex-husband, whom Carrera has described as a “fundamentalist Christian,” intending to damage her character.

A pre-trial readiness hearing is now scheduled for February 4, 2025, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Bernardino, with Judge Katrina West presiding. This hearing replaces a previously scheduled jury trial date of October 7, 2024, that did not proceed. A recent motion filed by Carrera’s legal team to dismiss certain evidence was denied by the court, marking the second such unsuccessful attempt. Some legal observers suggest this ruling might help expedite proceedings toward the newly scheduled 2025 trial date.

The charges against Carrera and Cris are severe. Both face one count under California Penal Code (PC) 288.7(a), alleging sexual intercourse or sodomy with a child 10 years of age or younger, and ten counts each under PC 288.7(b), alleging oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child 10 years of age or younger.

A conviction under PC 288.7(a) carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison, while a conviction under PC 288.7(b) carries a sentence of 15 years to life. These offenses are classified as “super strike” crimes in California, meaning a life sentence can be imposed regardless of prior convictions. Furthermore, convictions mandate lifetime registration as a sex offender. Individuals found guilty of these offenses are ineligible for probation, split sentences, or suspended sentences. Benefits from Proposition 57 do not apply, and any “good time credits” earned during imprisonment are capped at 15%.

The case has garnered significant public attention, extending beyond the adult entertainment industry, and has prompted discussions regarding child protection and the complexities of the legal system. The outcome of the trial, now anticipated for mid-2025, will have profound and lasting implications for all individuals involved, particularly the child at the center of the allegations.