Officials respond to Largent charges of ignoring obscenity

(Tulsa-AP) -- Justice Department officials responded to charges by U-S Representative Steve Largent that the Clinton administration is ignoring obscenity violations. <br><br>Deputy Assistant Attorney

Wednesday, May 24th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Justice Department officials responded to charges by U-S Representative Steve Largent that the Clinton administration is ignoring obscenity violations.

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Alan Gershel told Largent that he needs to look at the department's record against child pornography.

Gershel said child pornography cases increased from 127 in 1995 to 510 in 1999.

But Largent responded that he was there to talk about obscenity cases, not child pornography cases.

Intense questioning by Largent did not bring forth any more information from Gershel who said he did not have those numbers. Gershel said other Justice officials may have that information.

Largent said Internet obscenity is a national scourge which the Justice Department is allowing to proliferate.