CamCo Hid Pedophile Clues

Camden County prosecutors are changing policies after they failed to check a computer that could have led them to a network of suspected pedophiles.

The computer was seized after state child welfare workers had removed an adopted child from Robert Pelle's Bellmawr home.

County authorities never checked the computer even though Pelle had consented to a search. The delay allowed Pelle to regain custody of his adopted son.

Federal officials searched the computer after Pelle's name surfaced in a child pornography investigation.

Agents say they found photos and a network of as many as 40 men in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania who preyed on children.

Pelle is charged with state and federal crimes against children.

Camden County authorities tell The Star-Ledger of Newark they followed standard procedures.

Author: NBC10/AP