Former New Jersey Caseworker Indicted for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Two Children

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) have announced the indictment of a former Department of Children and Family Services caseworker for alleged sexual abuse involving two minors.

Trent L. Collier, 58, formerly of Newark, New Jersey, and now residing in Savannah, Georgia, has been charged in a seven-count indictment that includes sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, attempted aggravated sexual assault, and official misconduct. These charges stem from Collier's alleged abusive conduct toward two minors.

The NJSP Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations, conducted an investigation that led to the charges. The first victim was allegedly sexually assaulted while Collier was the assigned caseworker for the family. Authorities claim that Collier threatened the victim with removal from their family to prevent disclosure of the abuse. The abuse allegedly occurred both inside a Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) office and a DCPP vehicle. Regarding the second victim, Collier allegedly used his position to facilitate the abuse, including using his DCPP vehicle to commit an assault. He also reportedly offered financial incentives to prevent the victim from reporting the abuse.

“These victims were children in vulnerable situations who were allegedly sexually assaulted and silenced,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This defendant misused his position to exploit those who needed advocacy and protection the most.”

“This defendant violated the enormously important duty of monitoring and ensuring the safety and well-being of children,” said J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of DCJ.

Collier faces the following charges: sexual assault (2nd degree); attempted aggravated sexual assault (2nd degree); endangering the welfare of children by impairing or debauching the morals of a child (2nd degree); official misconduct (2nd degree); aggravated criminal sexual contact (3rd degree); and luring (3rd degree). If convicted, the second-degree charges carry a potential sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a potential sentence of three to five years and a fine of up to $15,000.

“The indictment of this individual serves as a reminder that we remain steadfast in our commitment to seeking justice for the most vulnerable among us — our children,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “It is especially disturbing when someone entrusted with the well-being and protection of children betrays that trust in such a horrific way. We will not relent in our efforts to investigate and bring to justice those who prey on the innocent.”

Collier is being detained pending trial. The case is being prosecuted by DCJ Cybercrime Bureau Deputy Chief Layli Khelafa, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Laura Magnone.

These charges are accusations, and Collier is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.