Seizure of N.J. State Computer Brings Call to Filter Web Sites

TRENTON, N.J., July 25 -- After a veteran New Jersey assemblyman's computer was seized for allegedly containing child pornography, legislative leaders sought Friday to install Internet filters to block inappropriate material from being viewed on state computers.

"We recognize that individuals intent on breaking the law and abusing public resources will still seek ways to do so, but this action is aimed at doing everything we can to prevent something of this nature from happening in the future," said a joint statement from Senate President Richard J. Codey (D), Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts Jr. (D), Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. (R) and Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R).

The move came after state investigators seized computers from Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D) on Wednesday. Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D) and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan (D), who share that office, had alerted authorities to their concerns.

Cohen, 57, has not been charged with a crime. Now hospitalized for psychiatric treatment, he has not answered calls to his cellphone or responded to text messages.

DeCroce said the allegation against Cohen, if proved, "represents one of the most deplorable acts committed by a public servant."

"One of our most important obligations as a society is to protect those who are most vulnerable, particularly our youth," DeCroce said.

A spokesman for Attorney General Anne Milgram said the office had no comment. The U.S. attorney's office also declined to comment.