Florence Man Charged With Rape, Sodomy, Human Trafficking

An arrest was made on Wednesday.

Tyreecse M. Merritt. Photo provided. 

(Florence, Ky.) – A Florence man was arrested Wednesday and charged with multiple felony offenses.

Tyreecse M. Merritt, 22, is facing three counts of Human Trafficking (Class B Felony), three counts of Rape 2nd Degree (Class C Felony), five counts of Sodomy 2nd Degree (Class C Felony) and three counts of Unlawful Transaction with a Minor 2nd Degree (Class D Felony).

According to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Merritt was selling marijuana to a 13-year-old in exchange for sexual acts. Investigators say Merritt raped and sodomized the victim multiple times.

While being interviewed, Merritt allegedly admitted that he had a thriving drug operation that targeted teens between the ages of 13 and 16 years old.

Merritt is held at the Boone County Detention Center on $500,000 bond.

More from Local News


Events

Traffic Switch on I-275 Westbound Carroll Cropper Bridge

The switch takes place this evening.

Survey Shows Majority of Hoosiers Favor Balanced Forest Management of Woodlands

The survey was conducted by Purdue's Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and D. J. Case & Associates.

Rumpke Holiday Reminders

The upcoming holidays will require a one-day service delay.

Record Breakers Highlight ORVC Report for December 15-20

Three ORVC swimmers have set new school records.

Local Sports Report - December 19-20, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Local Sports Report - December 18, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Reba McEntire - It's Your Call

Keith Urban Better Life 15:36
Alan Jackson X - Silent Night 15:32
Joe Nichols Brokenhearted 15:24
Vern Gosdin Set 'Em Up, Joe 15:22