By: Richard L. Smith
A former employee of New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency has been sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison for explicit contact offenses, according to information released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Trent Collier, 58, of Kearny, was sentenced to 109 months behind bars after previously pleading guilty to charges of possessing and transporting Explicit Images of Minors.
The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti, who also ordered Collier to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
According to court documents and statements made during proceedings, the investigation began on September 28, 2021, when Collier arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport on a flight from the Dominican Republic.
Federal authorities conducted a search of his cellphone and discovered at least two images of minors.
During questioning, Collier admitted to having previously exchanged Explicit Images of Minors with another individual via his phone.
A deeper forensic review uncovered multiple additional videos, including graphic depictions involving toddlers.
Collier, who once held a position of trust as a caseworker responsible for child welfare, now faces years of supervision following his incarceration.
The case stresses the seriousness with which federal authorities pursue crimes involving the explicit exploitation of minors.