TRENTON, N.J. — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark assisted the New Jersey State Police in garnering state charges against a former family case worker who pleaded guilty to federal charges in May.
The indictment of Trent L. Collier, an ex-caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services’ Division of Child Protection and Permanency, for his alleged sexual abuse of two children was announced Oct. 3 by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice and the New Jersey State Police.
Collier, 58, formerly of Newark and presently living in Savannah, Georgia, has been charged by the state in a seven-count indictment with sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, attempted aggravated sexual assault and official misconduct based on his alleged sexually abusive conduct toward two child victims.
“Trent Collier faces additional charges for violating his former position of trust with the state of New Jersey, given the responsibility to care for the most vulnerable, and asked to serve and empower at-risk children and families,” said HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “Collier already disgraced this position by admitting to federal charges involving possession and transportation of child sexual abuse material. HSI and our partner agencies will devote every resource available to investigating, prosecuting and convicting those who prey upon the most vulnerable population: Our children.”
In May, Collier pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography at the District of New Jersey in Newark.
Collier was indicted on the following state charges: sexual assault in the second degree, attempted aggravated sexual assault in the second degree, endangering the welfare of children by impairing or debauching the morals of a child in the second degree, official misconduct in the second degree, aggravated criminal sexual contact in the third degree and luring in the third degree.
According to the New Jersey State Attorney General, the investigation by HSI Newark and the New Jersey State Police revealed that Collier had sexually abused two minors. The first victim was allegedly sexually assaulted while Collier served as the Division of Child Protection and Permanency caseworker for the victim’s family. He allegedly verbally and physically threatened the victim that they would be removed from their family if they disclosed the abuse. Several instances of the alleged abuse occurred inside a Division of Child Protection and Permanency office and a Division of Child Protection and Permanency vehicle. As for the second victim, it is alleged that Collier leveraged his position as a Division of Child Protection and Permanency caseworker to facilitate the sexual abuse, including use of his Division of Child Protection and Permanency vehicle to facilitate an assault. It is also alleged that Collier offered financial incentives to the second victim in an effort to thwart disclosure.
Collier is being detained pending trial.
The state charges and allegations are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
HSI is at the forefront of the U.S. government’s efforts to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse through its investigations, victim assistance programs, intelligence and analysis, policy development, and training and awareness programs.
For any child, parent or guardian of New Jersey searching for resources and information on how to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation, visit www.Know2Protect.gov. If you suspect a child might be a victim, please call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP.
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