Accuser Becomes Accused: Top U.S. Official Investigated for Kiddie Porn

Anthony Mangione, a top federal agent in south Florida who has built his career fighting child pornography, is now under investigation for allegedly having kiddie porn stored on his computer. Mangione is the head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's south Florida office.

According to the Miami Herald, "The agency has aggressively targeted child pornography, with Mangione frequently speaking out against 'predators' who illegally share images through their computers."

As special agent in charge of ICE’s South Florida office, Mangione’s name often graced press releases lauding the agency’s efforts to fight child pornography, in both the cyber and real worlds. In statements, he talked about using technology to combat child pornography and his agency’s resolve to combat the crime.

“Too many children are victimized by predators that target the most vulnerable among us -- our children," Mangione said in a 2009 press release announcing that a 20-year-old Palm Beach County man was sentenced to more than 12 years in prison on child porn charges.

Mangione was planning to retire this summer. He has served his entire federal career with ICE and its predecessor, the U.S. Customs Service.

Federal officials, speaking anonymously because they were not authorized to comment on the record, expressed shock over the allegations.

FBI agents searched Mangione's home and office this weekend for the alleged kiddie porn stored on his computer. No word yet on what they found.

Via a local CBS affiliate: