A former Aurora DARE officer accused of forcing a 15-year-old runaway to take sexually explicit photos of herself pleaded guilty to felony exploitation of a child and faces sentencing in July.
Former Officer Michael Mangino entered the plea as part of an agreement with prosecutors during a hearing Tuesday in Adams County District Court.
During the brief hearing, Judge Chris Melonakis said Mangino faces up to three years in prison and as little as probation. Krista Flannigan, a spokeswoman for the Adams County district attorney’s office, said Mangino will also have to register as a sex offender.
Mangino’s lawyer, Doug Jewell, declined to comment after the hearing.
Mangino, 51, was charged with sexual exploitation of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, both felonies, and was scheduled to go on trial next month.
The 29-year APD veteran, who is free on bond pending sentencing, also faced a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct.
After the plea, Aurora police Chief Dan Oates issued a statement that said the felony conviction for Mangino is appropriate.
“Mr. Mangino is now a convicted felon and sex offender. This is a fitting conclusion to his despicable behavior,” the statement said. “Our heart goes out to the victim. As terrible as Mangino’s actions were, I am pleased that our investigators discovered his crime, addressed it head on and worked aggressively to achieve justice. The Aurora Police Department is glad to be rid of Mr. Mangino.”
As a DARE officer, Mangino worked at six local elementary schools: Vaughn, Clyde Miller, Lyn Knoll, Arkansas, East Ridge and St. Pius X. As a police area representative, Mangino worked an area stretching from Potomac Street west to Peoria Street and East Sixth Avenue north to East Colfax Avenue.
The incident involving the 15-year-old girl happened in early March 2011 when Mangino arrested the runaway, according to police. Police said Mangino had the girl take sexually explicit photos of herself on Mangino’s personal cell phone.
The girl later told police about the incident and based on the ongoing investigation, Mangino was later placed on unpaid leave.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Chief Trial Deputy J.P. Moore, said prosecutors believe there may have been similar incidents involving other victims, but because of the statute of limitations and evidence currently available, further charges aren’t likely.
“We do not anticipate filing any new charges based on the information known to the DA’s office at this time,” he said.
The department was scheduled to launch an internal investigation into Mangino’s conduct when the criminal case wraps up, but last fall Mangino retired and a department spokesperson said the internal investigation will no longer happen.
Reach reporter Brandon Johansson at 720-449-9040 or bjohansson@aurorasentinel.com