Astoria man faces 72 child porn counts
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — An Astoria man held on $1 million bail has pleaded not guilty to 72 child pornography charges.
The Daily Astorian says investigators began looking into prescription drug sales but then turned to child pornography as they bought more than 700 images and videos involving children as young as 4.
District Attorney Josh Marquis said Monday the 72 counts of encouraging child sexual abuse amount to one each month since December 2006 against 45-year-old Michael Wangen.
Wangen is a volunteer for the Astor Street Opry Company and director of the children's program "Junior Shanghaied in Astoria."
He appeared Monday in court. He's due back Jan. 4.
What this story doesn't tell you is the fact the Clatsop County DA is a volunteer for the Astor Street Opry Company, therefore it would be a conflict of interest and if he had any class at all he would step down from the case.
I will never understand people like this. Â How did he get away with this for so long?
Shame on you all. I've known Mike since 6th grade and he was the one I walked with @ graduation in 1986. I will always consider him innocent until proven guilty.
Once again, I stand in awe of Chinas 'judicial response'.Â
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Bullet to the back of the head, bill the next of kin for the bullet. He11.... I'd even pay for it.Â
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There are few crimes against persons that I find as detestable as sexual violations against pre-pubescent children. There is simply nothing you can do to 'fix' someone with that level of depravity. The childrens lives are forever scarred.
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If such crimes do not merit a death sentence, then what crimes do?
@MarkKpic In regards to a comment of yours elsewhere about "thinning the herd", I think individuals that prey on children might be a good place to start.
It's so disgusting that yet again a depraved predator is able to work in the capacity of a volunteer for children's programs. WTH!!?? Are they really this clever? That no one notices anything unusual? Hope he never tastes freedom again.
@Lips Sadly, look at the prior story where the guy only got 40 months. Our justice system is not protecting the victims, not giving them the justice they deserve. I guess the most innocent among us, the children, are expendable.
If convicted, I say let him have 10 years jail time for each count......in the general population.
Damage done to our children returns to us at a geometric rate. I simply can not fathom any leniency for predators.
If guilty, then no penalty will be harsh enough. I will never understand this evil and wish I knew how it could be wiped off this earth. I hope the authorities can identify the victims in the pictures so that they be put with families that truly care and will provide protection. These types of crimes are truly sickening.