Judge says cop should stand trial

Michael Mangino

AURORA | A judge ruled Tuesday there is enough evidence for an Aurora DARE officer to stand trial on charges he forced a 15-year-old runaway to take sexually explicit photos of herself, according to court records. 

Officer Michael Mangino, 50, is charged with sexual exploitation of a child and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, both felonies. The 29-year APD veteran also faces a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct.

At a preliminary hearing Tuesday, an Adams County Court judge ruled there was enough evidence for Mangino to stand trial. His next court appearance is an arraignment scheduled for July 13. A trial date has not been scheduled. 

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 when Mangino arrested the runaway. 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, police said.

Once the criminal case is complete, the department will launch an internal investigation into Mangino’s conduct that will determine his employment, police said.