Former child protection worker in New Jersey charged with sexual abuse

NEWARK, NJ – A former Newark resident who once worked as a child welfare caseworker in New Jersey has been accused of sexually abusing two children, prosecutors announced Thursday.

Trent L. Collier, 58 – formerly of Newark and currently residing in Savannah, Georgia – was previously employed as a case officer with the Child Protection and Permanency Division of the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services (DCPP).

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office released the following allegations against Collier:

“The NJSP Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Homeland Security Investigations were involved in the investigation which revealed that Collier sexually abused two minors. The first victim was allegedly sexually assaulted while Collier was acting as a DCPP caseworker for the victim's family. Collier allegedly threatened the victim verbally and physically that he would remove her from her family if she disclosed the abuse. Multiple instances of alleged abuse occurred at a DCPP office and in a DCPP vehicle. As for the second victim, it is alleged that Collier exploited his position as a DCPP caseworker to facilitate the sexual abuse, including using his DCPP vehicle to facilitate an assault. It is also alleged that Collier offered the second victim financial incentives to prevent disclosure.”

Prosecutors said Collier was charged with the following charges: sexual assault (2nd degree); attempted aggravated sexual assault (2nd degree); Endangering the welfare of a child by impairing or denigrating the morals of a child (2nd degree); official misconduct (2nd degree); aggravated criminal sexual contact (3rd degree) and enticement (3rd degree).

According to prosecutors, Collier will be held in custody pending his trial.

Prosecutors said second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree charges carry a prison sentence of three to five years and a maximum fine of $15,000.

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn how to post announcements or events to your local patch site.