New Jersey Lawmaker Resigns amid Child Pornography Investigation

New Jersey Assemblyman Neil Cohen resigned from his position on Monday, following allegations of suspected child pornography found on his computer. Colleagues of Cohen’s, who use the same legislative district office, alerted law enforcement officials last week of the alleged images found on Cohen’s computer. According to State Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, the investigation of Cohen began when a staffer in the Union office found a printed-out photo of a nude female, suspected to be in her early teens or younger.

The case has been referred to the State Attorney General’s office for investigation; Cohen has yet to be charged with a criminal offense. Cohen, a divorce lawyer, has served in the assembly for nearly 20-years. Cohen, who is regarded highly by his peers, will now have his legacy overshadowed by these allegations according to colleagues and other State officials. New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine released a statement expressing his shock and disturbance by the allegations. “Child pornography reflects a horrible debasement of children that is totally intolerable. Creating, distributing and using child pornography should be pursued vigorously by law enforcement wherever it is found.” said Corzine. Cohen remains in psychiatric care, and pending further investigation, will likely face criminal charges.

Child Pornography

Federal Law defines child pornography as “a visual depiction of any kind, including a drawing, cartoon, sculpture, or painting, photograph, film, video, or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where it a) depicts a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene, or b) depicts an image that is, or appears to be, of a minor engaging in graphic bestiality, sadistic or masochistic abuse, or sexual intercourse, including genital-genital, oral-genital, anal-genital, or oral-anal, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex, and such depiction lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.” Possessing, Making, and Distributing child pornography is illegal in all 50 states, including Pennsylvania, and it is an offense which carries serious legal penalties.

If you have been arrested and charged with owning, making, or distributing child pornography, the Law Offices of Marc Neff can help. There are defenses which are available to you, so do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Marc Neff immediately.