A New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services worker from Kearny was busted with child pornography as he was being screened for a flight from Newark Airport to the Dominican Republic, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachel Honig announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Trent Collier, 55, of Kearny, is charged by complaint with one count of possession of child pornography. He made his initial appearance by videoconference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Leda Dunn Wettre yesterday and was released on $50,000 unsecured bond.
On September 28th, Collier arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from the Dominican Republic. Law enforcement officials searched his luggage and located a tablet device and a cellular phone.
A forensic search of both devices identified at least two images of child sexual abuse depicting prepubescent children. Based on an analysis of the phone, Collier sent these images via WhatsApp message.
The maximum penalty if convicted is 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain to the defendant or twice the gross pecuniary loss to someone else, whichever is greatest.
