Michele Mancino, aka “Mike Mancino,” 41, of Goose Creek, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to the production of child pornography.
Evidence presented to the court showed that in late 2022, Mancino was engaging other pedophiles on the Scruff and Telegram apps in sexually explicit discussions about his grooming and sexual abuse of a 4-year-old. A search of Mancino’s accounts and devices revealed images and videos of child sexual abuse materials depicting Mancino and the 4-year-old discussed in the chats. Mancino also possessed and traded images and videos of child sexual abuse materials of other prepubescent minors as young as infants. During the investigation, Mancino confessed to creating child sexual abuse material by documenting his abuse of the 4-year-old, and he also admitted to trading child sexual abuse materials with other pedophiles.
“This sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Adair F. Boroughs, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue those who exploit the innocence of children.”
“Protecting children from exploitation is one of HSI’s top investigative priorities, and this sentence is a testament to our commitment to stopping these horrific offenses,” said Cardell T. Morant, special agent in charge of HSI Charlotte, which covers North and South Carolina. “HSI, along with its partners, will use every resource available to find, arrest and hold accountable predators, like Mancino, that seek to victimize our most vulnerable population.”
United States District Judge Richard Gergel sentenced Mancino to 360 months imprisonment, followed by a lifetime of court-ordered supervision. This is the maximum sentence allowed under the statute. There is no parole in the federal system. Mancino was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of his crimes and to pay an assessment into the Trafficking Victims’ Fund.