Authorities have charged a former New Jersey caseworker with sexual assaults that allegedly occurred at his workplace and in his state-issued vehicle.
On Thursday, the Attorney General’s Office announced that Trent Collier, 58, has been indicted on multiple charges. He faces several second-degree charges, including sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, child endangerment, and official misconduct, along with third-degree charges of luring and aggravated criminal sexual contact.
A former caseworker for the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) previously resided in Newark. He currently resides in Savannah, Georgia. Authorities reported that he repeatedly abused two children while in New Jersey.
“These victims were children in vulnerable situations who were allegedly sexually assaulted and silenced. This defendant misused his position to exploit those who needed advocacy and protection the most,” said Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
Collier remains in custody while awaiting trial.
Collier faces allegations of sexually abusing two children during his time with the DCPP.
Officials report that Collier provided services to the family of one victim and issued threats, warning the victim that they would be separated from their family if they spoke out about the abuse.
He is also facing allegations of attempting to bribe the second victim to prevent them from communicating with law enforcement.
Officials reported that Collier consistently utilized a DCPP office and his DCPP vehicle as locations to perpetrate the abuse.
On September 28, 2021, he was taken into custody at Newark Airport following a flight from the Dominican Republic.
Authorities examined his phone and discovered a minimum of two images depicting child sexual abuse, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A criminal complaint states that one of the children was younger than 12 years old.