NEWARK, N.J. – A former caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services was sentenced Thursday to more than nine years in federal prison for possession and transportation of child pornography, federal prosecutors announced.
Trent Collier, 58, of Kearny, previously pleaded guilty to one count each of possession and transportation of child pornography before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti. He was sentenced to 109 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Collier was stopped by law enforcement at Newark Liberty International Airport on September 28, 2021, after arriving on a flight from the Dominican Republic. A search of his cellphone uncovered at least two images of child pornography.
Collier admitted to investigators that he had previously exchanged child pornography with another individual via his cellphone. A more extensive search revealed multiple additional videos, including content depicting the sexual exploitation of toddlers.
U.S. Attorney Alina Habba credited the investigation to Homeland Security Investigations agents under Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, led by Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.
Federal investigation and sentencing
The federal indictment stemmed from a joint investigation between Homeland Security and New Jersey law enforcement agencies, following the discovery of illicit material during routine customs screening.
Collier, who previously worked for the state’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency, did not contest the charges and entered a guilty plea as part of a plea agreement. Sentencing guidelines for the offenses carried a potential term of up to 20 years.
According to prosecutors, the material found on Collier’s phone included “videos depicting the sexual exploitation of toddlers,” which was cited in court during sentencing as aggravating evidence.
The judge ordered that upon release, Collier would remain under federal supervision and be required to register as a sex offender under the terms of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
