Former NJ Child Services Caseworker Admits to Child Pornography Charges

Trent Collier, 57, of Kearny, pleads guilty to possession and transportation of child pornography; faces up to 20 years in prison.

A former caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services, Division of Child Protection and Permanency, has admitted to possessing and transporting child pornography, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today. Trent Collier, 57, of Kearny, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to charges before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court on May 21, 2024.

Collier was charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography. The charges stem from an incident on September 28, 2021, when Collier arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport from the Dominican Republic. Law enforcement officers searched his cellular phone and discovered at least two images of child sexual abuse.

In a statement to law enforcement, Collier admitted to sending and receiving child pornography via his phone. A further search revealed multiple additional images depicting the sexual exploitation of toddlers.

The possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while the transportation charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years. Each count also includes a potential fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense. Sentencing is scheduled for October 10, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, and the New Jersey State Police for their work on the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren D. Kober of the General Crimes Unit in Newark is representing the government.