Authorities have said that a former New Jersey assemblyman has pleaded guilty to using state equipment to distribute child pornography.

The Newark, N. J. Star-Ledger has reported that Neil Cohen, 59, made his plea Monday before Judge Gerald Council in a Union, N. J., courtroom.

"Please get your affairs in order. Be prepared," Council told Cohen, setting sentencing for July 12.

The newspaper also said that Cohen, also a lawyer, faces likely disbarment.

According to the report, Cohen admitted using state computers to view and print photographs of underage girls in various states of nudity and placing the photos in a reception desk, where a legislative staffer discovered them and contacted authorities.

Ending a 17-year assembly career Cohen quit the New Jersey State Legislature a week later.

New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram charged Cohen with official misconduct, and with reproduction, distribution and possession of child pornography.

Milgram said in announcing the indictments, "He contributed to the exploitation of children, and he betrayed the trust placed in him by the people of his district and by the people of the state of New Jersey." (With Inputs from Agencies)