Immigration & Customs Enforcement leader in S Fla Anthony V. Mangione arrested on child porn charges

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - An Immigration and Customs Enforcement leader pleaded not guilty to child porn charges at his federal court arraignment Wednesday.

Anthony Mangione led South Florida offices for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, for 4 years.

He’s charged with possessing, receiving and transporting child porn from March through September of this year.

His federal indictment papers show the child porn was found on two computers owned by Mangione.

After a request from the prosecuting attorney, a federal judge ordered a psychological evaluation of Mangione.

His defense attorney James Howard explained why saying, "The government has concerns that given the magnitude of the charges that he might melt down."

During Mangione’s 4 years at South Florida’s ICE offices, he led several investigations targeting online child predators from Fort Pierce to the Keys.

Shackled in a gray jumpsuit for his arraignment, Mangione didn't say anything at his hearing.

Once his psychological evaluation is complete, a decision will be made where to jail Mangione.

In court, attorneys on both side said there should be concerns for his safety based on Mangione’s former high profile position with ICE.

Howard said it's too early to talk about the details of the case. "As much as I know you'd like me to say something, I can't say something substantive at this time."

Outside of his position with ICE Mangione has been a law enforcement officer for 27 years.

If convicted, Mangione could be sentenced from 10 to 50 years in prison.