FROM CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
On January 29, 2024, the Millbrook Police Department received multiple cyber tips with regard to Child Sex Abuse Material from an internet service provider. An investigation was initiated, which revealed that the alleged illicit activity was originating from an internet account associated with a phone number, which was registered to an address located in the 90 block of Supreme Court in Millbrook.
On February 2, 2024, detectives with the Millbrook Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit executed a search warrant at said address, which resulted in the seizure of multiple electronic devices believed to contain images depicting child pornography. During this investigation detectives developed a primary suspect, who voluntarily accompanied detectives to the Millbrook Police Department for questioning. During questioning, the suspect, later identified as James C. Mengel, a 55-year-old Millbrook resident, admitted to detectives that he had downloaded and possessed child pornography.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the electronic devices seized during the initial search warrant, which revealed numerous images depicting child pornography. Pursuant to investigation, Millbrook detectives obtained warrants of arrest for Mengel, who was later located at a relative’s residence in Millbrook. Mengel was placed under arrest, being charged with (5) counts of Possession of Child Pornography. Mengel was transported to the Elmore County Jail, where he remains under a $75,000.00 bond.
These are the kind of cases that disturb even the most seasoned law enforcement officers, I’m both sorry and appreciative that there are men and women in law enforcement that have the ability to be exposed to the things that we see and have the ability to do what needs to be done to conduct these types of investigations, while maintaining the professionalism required to gather and process the evidence necessary to obtain warrants, effect an arrest and present a case for the prosecution of the crimes alleged. Most of our officers are parents, with some, like myself, being grandparents, so when you see cases that involve the abuse or exploitation of children, it hits all too close to home. No one ever wants to see a child mistreated or harmed in any manner. Unfortunately, our profession dictates that we see things that can’t be unseen.
After speaking with our detectives, it would be reasonable to say that additional charges may result from this investigation, which is ongoing.
