KEARNY, N.J. — A former New Jersey child protection case manager has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for possessing and transporting child sexual abuse material, federal prosecutors announced.
Trent Collier, 58, of Kearny — who once worked for the state’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency — pleaded guilty to one count each of possession and transportation of child sexual abuse material.
Federal agents apprehended Collier on Sept. 28, 2021, at Newark Liberty International Airport after his return from the Dominican Republic. A search of his cell phone uncovered images of child sexual abuse. He later admitted to both possessing and exchanging such content with at least one other person, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Further investigation revealed multiple videos, including some depicting the sexual exploitation of toddlers.
An indictment from 2022, also alleged that Collier attempted to recruit and solicit a child for commercial sex in the U.S. between June 19 and Sept. 29, 2021.
In addition to the prison term, Collier will face five years of supervised release following his incarceration.
Authorities underscored the betrayal of public trust, given Collier’s former role in protecting vulnerable children. His attorney did not immediately respond to media inquiries.
