Photo by Bob Weatherston

Authorities say Marc Romain Mandina videotaped a 12-year-old girl showering in his house.

A 37-year-old man videotaped a 12-year-old girl taking off her clothes and then showering in his San Marcos home in 2007, according to prosecutor Keith Watanabe at the Vista Courthouse on Friday, February 18.

Marc Romain Mandina, now 41, was a “close family friend” of the child and her family, Watanabe said. Mandina’s not-quite ex-wife found the videotape last year. (She filed a petition to dissolve their marriage in July of 2010.)

Mandina unintentionally videotaped himself while he was setting up the video camera in the closet of his master bedroom before the child entered the room and disrobed, according to Watanabe. The prosecutor said the videotape will be used as evidence, and Mandina could face three years in prison if he is convicted of the single charge of possessing child pornography.

Mandina, originally from France, was arrested in Massachusetts and brought back to San Diego County this week. “He in no way attempted to flee,” said his private defense attorney, Daniel Greene. After the child-pornography allegations against Mandina became public in San Diego County, “He wasn’t able to work as an ice-skating instructor here,” so Mandina moved to the East Coast “for more opportunities,” his attorney explained.

Greene pleaded not guilty for Mandina and was able to convince judge Harry Elias to reduce bail to $20,000. Mandina is next due in the Vista Courthouse on April 13.