ASTORIA — An Astoria man held on $1 million bail has pleaded not guilty to 72 child pornography charges.
The Daily Astorian reported that 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. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 4.
