FROM CHIEF P.K. JOHNSON
MILLBROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
On February 2, 2024, detectives with the Millbrook Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Unit placed James C. Mengel, a 55-year-old Millbrook resident, under arrest for (5) counts of Possession of Child Pornography, pursuant to an investigation, which was initiated after Millbrook Police received a cyber-tip from an internet service provider. Evidence indicates that possible Child Abuse Material was being downloaded from an internet account associated with a phone number, which was registered to an address located in the 90 block of Supreme Court. A search warrant was obtained and executed, which resulted in the discovery of evidence, which led to the alleged offender’s arrest. Mengel was placed in the Elmore County Jail under a $75,000 cash bond.
During the continuing examination of evidence seized in this case, Millbrook detectives discovered video evidence that involved a minor child. While the content of these videos cannot be disclosed at this time, the video evidence resulted in additional charges being filed against Mengel.
On February 7, 2024, Millbrook detectives secured additional arrest warrants for Mengel, who has been charged with (2) counts of Production of Obscene Material containing Visual Depiction of a Person Under 17 years of age involved in Obscene Acts and (1) count of Sexual Abuse of a Child less than 12 years-old. Mengel remains in the Elmore County Jail under a $250,000.00 cash bond. This case remains under investigation and additional charges are anticipated.
After speaking with the lead detective in this case, it is my understanding that there is a tremendous amount of evidence yet to be reviewed. That stated, it would be reasonable to assume that there is a high likelihood that additional charges may be forthcoming. I appreciate the professionalism and diligence of our detectives, who are continuing their investigation. Because the alleged offenses involve a minor child, I’m unable to comment on the evidence that precipitated these new charges, but I will assure our citizens that we will do everything in our power to ensure that we present all evidence necessary for our District Attorney’s Office to facilitate the prosecution of this case. Cases like this are tough for all parties involved.
If you have any information that could help in this case, please contact the Millbrook Police Department.
