An allegedly stolen computer belonging to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation is at the heart of the criminal case against former CBI deputy director Peter Mang, according to the criminal complaint filed against Mang in Jefferson County.
The criminal complaint alleges that Mang stole a CBI computer, its “contents”, power cords, printer, printer card, cable, computer bag, digital recorder and ear protectors.
The complaint alleges that Mang then unlawfully accessed and exceeded authorized access to a computer network or system.
Mang is charged with embezzlement of public property, a class 5 felony. He is also accused of misdemeanor theft – specifically the theft of the CBI computer and its contents, with a value of $500 or more but less than $1,000.
For the unauthorized access to a computer network or system the 60-year-old Mang is accused of misdemeanor computer crime, a class two misdemeanor.
Adams County District Attorney Don Quick is the special prosecutor in the case, after the Jefferson County district attorney’s office recused itself from the the prosecution.
Mang was with the CBI for 30 years and served as deputy director for 14 years.
The alleged misconduct occurred between Aug. 1, 2009 and April 5, according to the complaint, but followed a previous episode that raised red flags within the CBI about Mang.
In 2005, Mang was accused of shoplifting $12.87 worth of fishing flies from an Aurora sporting-goods store.
At the time, Mang, then 55, said a recent diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer and the deaths of some family members might explain his behavior.
He said he was seeking psychological help.
“First of all, I am accepting full responsibility for my actions both at work and in the court system,” said Mang. “I have sought help from a therapist.”
Lance Clem, CBI spokesman, said that Mang retired from the CBI in August 2009 – about the time Mang allegedly stole the CBI computer.
Clem said that Mang reached a plea agreement in the shoplifting incident. He said Bob Cantwell, then director of the CBI, took internal disciplinary action against Mang but that Mang was allowed to remain as deputy director of the CBI. Clem said Mang underwent successful treatment for prostate cancer.
There are 44 witnesses against Mang in the latest case, including an investigator from the Jefferson County district attorney’s office, who did the initial investigation of the allegations.
More than two dozen CBI officials, including experts in computer crime and computer technicians are also potential witnesses.
Mang’s lawyer, Natalie Decker, declined comment on the charges but said she would be filing motions next week in response to the allegations.Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com.
