Following major Internet fencing ring arrests in other states, a key New Jersey lawmaker says he wants to crack down on stolen goods sold through online auction sites.

Assemblyman Joseph Cryan has introduced a bill that targets people in New Jersey who use Internet auctions to sell shoplifted baby formula, gift cards, coupons and other goods prized by retail theft rings.

“New Jersey’s criminal shoplifting rings must be shut down, regardless of how they operate,” Cryan, who is also state Democrat Party chairman and a Union County undersheriff, said Friday.

Cryan introduced his legislation this month after authorities in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Texas targeted criminal enterprises that used popular Internet auction site eBay.

Posted: 12|30|06 at 8:55 am. Filed under: US News.