Lottery-winning police officer facing child porn charges

WALTHAM, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Waltham police officer is on paid administrative leave after his Monday arrest on possession of child pornography charges.

A spokesperson at the U.S. Attorney's office confirms to FOX 25 that Paul Manganelli was arrested late Monday afternoon.

Manganelli appeared in court Tuesday. Court documents stated that Manganelli exchanged pornographic images and videos depicting children via email with a number of people. One of the emails contained in court documents suggested that Manganelli had tried to initiate a sexual act with a child.

Investigators also said that Manganelli was a member of an Internet message board commonly associated with distributing child pornography.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the Waltham Police Department says Manganelli, who has been with the force since May 1993, was arrested by the FBI following an investigation conducted by that agency. They say they are cooperating with the FBI investigation.

"The alleged off-duty conduct of one employee is not a reflection of the Waltham Police Department as a whole," says Acting-Police Chief Keith MacPherson. "The Waltham Police Department is dedicated to continuing the professional service that the City of Waltham has grown to expect and deserve. We continue to protect and serve the community, while maintaining the continued high professional standard that is expected of every one of our officers."

The Waltham Police Department would not say whether or not there have been any past disciplinary issues regarding Manganelli.

The mayor of Waltham also released a statement on the allegations.

"The allegations are disgusting," says Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy. "My thoughts are with his family. There are a lot of dedicated Waltham Police Officers who should not be negatively impacted by this."

Manganelli is also listed as the owner of P&M Sound on bestbostondj.com. The website lists that the business serves weddings, corporate events and kids and teens parties.

In April 2011 Manganelli won a $100,000 a year for life jackpot, according to Massachusetts Lottery officials. They said that his plans, at the time, were to: "Buy a home, pay off debt and set up college funds for his kids."

Manganelli could face up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a $250,000 fine on the charges. He was ordered held until a detention hearing on March 28.

Stay with FOX 25 and MyFoxBoston.com as we learn more about this developing story.

Cox Media Group