NJ Democrat Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Charges

These filthy pols are so fortunate. He gets only five years and time to get his affairs in order.

Former New Jersey Assemblyman Neil Cohen today pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography in a deal that may send him to prison for five years.

Cohen, 59, trudged into the Trenton courthouse this morning for an early hearing and answered the judge's question in a low voice, almost a mumble.

"That is correct, sir," he said when asked if he planned to plead guilty.

The plea agreement will require Cohen to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law and be restricted from using social networking websites. He will also be barred from public employment and may be supervised by the Parole Board for life after release from prison.

Cohen, a lawyer, will also likely be disbarred.

Final sentencing is scheduled for July 12.

"Please get your affairs in order," Judge Gerald Council said to Cohen. "Be prepared."

Cohen sought psychiatric care when the investigation began, and he told the judge today he is on medication.

In pleading guilty, Cohen admitted to using state computer equipment at his Union Township legislative office in July 2008 to view and print photos of underage girls in various stages of nudity. Then he placed the photos in a drawer in a reception desk.

“Not only did Mr. Cohen access, print and distribute child pornography, he did it in his legislative office using equipment paid for by state taxpayers,” Criminal Justice Director Stephen Taylor said in a statement. “He not only betrayed any standard of decency, he betrayed the people of the State of New Jersey.”

A legislative staffer discovered the photos and informed the two Democratic lawmakers, Sen. Ray Lesniak and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (both D-Union), who shared the office with Cohen. The lawmakers then reported Cohen to authorities.

One week later, Cohen quit the Legislature, ending a 17-year career in the Assembly. Union County Democrats chose Annette Quijano to succeed him.

Naturally, he "championed" legislation to fight child porn.