A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material, following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI). John Mangan, 78, of Lanoka Harbor, admitted guilt on June 10 at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Trenton.
“Mangan is a prior convicted sex offender with depraved desires that fuel the hideous market of online child sexual exploitation and abuse ICE Homeland Security Investigations vows to dismantle,” said ICE HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel. He emphasized the importance of public tips in achieving justice for minors targeted by such predators.
The investigation revealed that on October 29, 2024, ICE HSI special agents executed a search warrant at Mangan’s home, uncovering an electronic device containing over 250 images of children being sexually abused. Mangan's criminal history includes previous convictions for sexual offenses involving minors, notably during his tenure as a school principal.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Lacey Township Police Department supported HSI Newark in this case. Due to Mangan's prior convictions, he faces an enhanced mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a maximum penalty of 20 years with a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for October 21.
HSI continues to lead efforts against online child sexual exploitation through various programs aimed at investigation, victim assistance, policy development, and training.
For resources on preventing online child exploitation or reporting suspected cases in New Jersey, individuals can visit Know2Protect.gov or call the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423). The Know2Protect campaign seeks to educate and empower communities to combat these crimes effectively.
