Waltham Police Officer Appears in Court on Child Porn Charges

A Waltham Police officer facing federal child pornography charges was ordered held without bail during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Boston on March 26, according to the Boston Globe. 

Paul Manganelli, 46, of Waltham, is charged with allegedly emailing child pornography using his Yahoo account, according to the Globe. Manganelli did not enter a plea during the hearing. He is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday, March 28.

Manganelli allegedly admitted to sending and receiving child porn, prosecutors said during the hearing, according to the Globe. During a search of his Waltham home on Monday, March 25, Manganelli identified some images as items he sent, according to the Boston Herald. 

Manganelli faces up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 fine, according to the Globe.

Judge Leo T. Sorokin requested U.S. Marshals ensure Manganelli’s safety as he remains in custody, according to the Globe. Manganelli’s attorney, Peter Bella, asked prosecutors to keep his client away from other prisoners but the judge did not specifically oblige.

Manganelli is on paid administrative leave from the Waltham Police Department. He jointed the Waltham Police department in 1993, according to Waltham Police. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Manganelli at this Waltham home on Monday, March 25.