Ex-NJ Child Social Worker Tried Sex Trafficking Minor: Feds

NEW JERSEY – A former caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services was indicted Thursday on charges relating to the attempted sex trafficking of a minor, federal authorities said.

In a three-count indictment, Trent Collier, 56, of Kearny, who worked for the state’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency, was charged with one count of possession of child pornography, one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said.

In September 2021, following a trip to the Dominican Republic, law enforcement officials at Newark Liberty International Airport searched Collier’s phone and found “at least” two images of child pornography, Sellinger said.

An investigation also found that, from June 19, 2021 through Sept. 29, 2021, Collier attempted to solicit a minor for prostitution, Sellinger added.

The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge of transportation of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, Sellinger added.

The attempted sex trafficking of a minor charge carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is larger.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger thanked special agents from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold in Newark; and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, under the direction of Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.