Name That Party: NJ Democrat To Be Sentenced in Child Porn Case

Of course the AP doesn't mention he's a Democrat. Typical. If he were a Republican it would be noted in the first sentence.

A former New Jersey lawmaker who championed legislation fighting child pornography will be sentenced for viewing nude images of underage girls.

Neil Cohen could be sent to prison for five years Monday.

Cohen acknowledged viewing and printing images meant for sexual gratification from a computer in his former legislative office.

He left at least one image at a receptionist's desk, leading to the investigation and charges.

Cohen will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law and be subject to lifetime supervision by the Parole Board.

Previously.

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.

NJ Democrat Pleads Not Guilty to Child Porn Charges

Ironically enough while this guy was in office he "championed" the fight against child porn. Yeah, right. He just wanted free access to the goods.

On the upside, the Associated Press actually identifies him as a Democrat, and it only takes four paragraphs to get there.

A former New Jersey lawmaker who once championed bills aimed at fighting child pornography pleaded not guilty Tuesday to child porn and official misconduct charges in his first public appearance since the state began investigating him last July.

A judge determined Neil Cohen is not a flight risk, so he can remain free without bail — with restrictions. He's not allowed to "loiter or linger" around playgrounds or schools, have unsupervised contact with children under 16 or use the Internet for purposes other than business.

A state prosecutor said Cohen told investigators he had viewed child porn but rejected a plea bargain offer.

Cohen, a 58-year-old Democrat from Roselle, sat silently through his arraignment in Superior Court and allowed his lawyer to enter the not guilty plea for him.

Cohen, who was elected to the Assembly nine times, once sponsored a law creating a hot line to report child pornography and other Internet crimes.

Naturally, he's be playing the crazy card.

He resigned from office last July and checked into a psychiatric hospital after word got out that he was under investigation for child pornography. Other lawmakers tipped off officials about images that allegedly show underage girls engaged in sexual acts.

Deputy Attorney General Anthony Picione said Cohen admitted the images were his and said he had viewed them on the computer in his law office in Montclair and in his district legislative office in Union Township. Computers from both locations were seized.

His lawyer, Mark Tuohey, said Cohen is now receiving mental health treatment "probably for a lifetime."