A Kearny man who used to be a caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services pleaded guilty to possessing and transporting child pornography yesterday, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Trent Collier, 57, of Kearny, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography.
On September 28th, 2021, Collier arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from the Dominican Republic. Law enforcement officers searched Collier’s cellular phone and identified at least two images of child sexual abuse.
In a statement to law enforcement, Collier admitted that he had previously sent child pornography to at least one other individual using his cellular phone and that that individual also sent child pornography to Collier’s cellular phone.
A further search of Collier’s cellular phone uncovered multiple additional images of child sexual abuse, including images depicting the sexual exploitation of toddlers. He was indicted on child porn and attempted sex trafficking charges 13 months later.
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.
Each count also carries a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for October 10th.
Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, under the direction of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, with the investigation. He also thanked the New Jersey State Police.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren D. Kober of the General Crimes Unit in Newark.
