TRENTON, NJ – A 79-year-old Ocean County man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Tuesday for possessing images of child sexual abuse, officials announced.
John Mangan of Lanoka Harbor previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp to one count of possession of child pornography.
Correction: A mugshot showing another man with the same last name was published with this article initially. That was in error. There is no mugshot of John Mangan.
Judge Shipp handed down the 120-month sentence in Trenton federal court, along with a five-year term of supervised release.
According to court records, federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at Mangan’s home on October 29, 2024, uncovering an electronic device containing more than 250 illicit images of children.
Prosecutors said Mangan had a history of sexual offenses involving minors, including a prior New Jersey conviction for sexual assault while serving as a school principal and an earlier federal conviction for possession of child pornography.
Federal agents led investigation
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba credited the HSI agents for their work in securing the conviction.
Prosecutors said restitution will be paid to Mangan’s victims as part of the sentence.
Repeat offender receives maximum penalty
The 10-year term represents one of the harshest federal sentences for possession under similar circumstances in the district, reflecting the court’s consideration of Mangan’s previous offenses.
Officials said the sentence underscores federal efforts to target repeat offenders and protect victims of child sexual exploitation.
Key Points
- John Mangan, 79, of Lanoka Harbor, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material.
- Investigators found over 250 illicit images during a search of his home.
- Mangan was previously convicted of sexual offenses involving minors and will serve five years of supervised release after prison.