An Ocean County man from New Jersey has admitted to possessing images of child sexual abuse, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Alina Habba.
John Mangan, 78, residing in Lanoka Harbor, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to one count of possession of child pornography.
Court documents and statements reveal that on October 29, 2024, agents from the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Mangan’s residence. They discovered an electronic device containing over 250 images depicting children being sexually abused. Mangan has previous convictions for sexual offenses involving minors, including a New Jersey conviction for sexual assault against a minor during his tenure as a school principal and a prior federal conviction for possession of child pornography.
Due to his prior convictions, the charge carries an enhanced mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and could result in up to 20 years imprisonment along with a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for October 21, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents from Homeland Security Investigations Newark under Special Agent in Charge Ricky Patel for their role in the investigation leading to Mangan’s guilty plea.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local resources. More information about this initiative can be found at Justice.gov/PSC.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Belgiovine from the Criminal Division in Trenton.
Defense counsel for Mangan is Suzanne Axel from Hackensack, New Jersey.
