A New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services was indicted for child pornography and attempted sex trafficking of a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Trent Collier, 56, of Kearny, is charged in a three-count indictment with one count of possession of child pornography, one count of transportation of child pornography, and one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
On September 28th, 2021, Collier arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport aboard a flight from the Dominican Republic.
Law enforcement officials searched Collier’s cellular phone and identified at least two images of child pornography.
The investigation also revealed that from June 19th, 2021, through September 29th, 2021, Collier attempted to solicit a minor for a commercial sex act.
The charge of possession of child pornography carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison, while the charge of transportation of child pornography carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a minor carries a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life 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.
Sellinger credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Richard W. Reinhold in Newark; and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, under the direction of Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, with the investigation.
