N.J. man finally gets to see his son in Brazil

updated 6:09 p.m. ET Feb. 9, 2009

TRENTON, N.J. - A New Jersey man saw his 8-year-old son in Brazil on Monday for the first time in 4 1/2 years, shooting baskets and splashing in a pool with him, according to a congressman who is trying to help reunite them permanently.

U.S. Rep. Christopher Smith described the reunion between David Goldman and his son, Sean, in a telephone interview with The Associated Press from Rio de Janiero. Smith said he attended the reunion for security reasons.

Smith, R-N.J., is trying to help Goldman, of Tinton Falls, win custody.

A court ruled last week that Goldman could visit. Smith characterized the ruling as a possible first step toward gaining custody.

The boy was taken to Brazil by his mother when he was 4. She remarried and died last year after giving birth to another child.

Goldman has said he was denied visitation for years.

Last week, Smith increased political pressure and began meeting with Brazilian officials to warn them that they were violating the Hague Convention, an international adoption treaty, by not allowing Goldman to have custody of his son.

Smith said Goldman and his son were scheduled to spend time together again on Tuesday and that another court hearing in the case could come as soon as Wednesday.

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