Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) have announced the indictment of Trent L. Collier, a former caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services’ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP). Collier, 58, who previously resided in Newark, New Jersey, and now lives in Savannah, Georgia, faces charges related to alleged sexual abuse involving two minors.

Collier has been charged with multiple offenses including sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, attempted aggravated sexual assault, and official misconduct. The charges stem from accusations that he engaged in sexually abusive conduct toward two minor victims during his tenure as a DCPP caseworker.

The investigation conducted by the NJSP Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Homeland Security Investigations revealed allegations that Collier sexually assaulted one victim while serving as their family's DCPP caseworker. It is claimed that he threatened this victim with removal from their family if they disclosed the abuse. The alleged incidents occurred at a DCPP office and in a DCPP vehicle. In the case of the second victim, it is alleged that Collier used his position to facilitate abuse, including offering financial incentives to prevent disclosure.

Attorney General Platkin stated: "These victims were children in vulnerable situations who were allegedly sexually assaulted and silenced." He emphasized that Collier misused his position to exploit those needing advocacy and protection.

J. Stephen Ferketic, Director of DCJ, highlighted the breach of duty involved: "This defendant violated the enormously important duty of monitoring and ensuring the safety and well-being of children."

Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the NJSP, remarked on the gravity of trust betrayal: "It is especially disturbing when someone entrusted with the well-being and protection of children betrays that trust in such a horrific way."

Collier's indictment includes charges such as sexual assault (2nd degree), attempted aggravated sexual assault (2nd degree), endangering welfare by impairing morals (2nd degree), official misconduct (2nd degree), aggravated criminal sexual contact (3rd degree), and luring (3rd degree). Second-degree charges can result in five to 10 years in prison with fines up to $150,000; third-degree charges carry three to five years' imprisonment with fines up to $15,000.

Currently detained pending trial, Collier's case is being prosecuted by DCJ Cybercrime Bureau Deputy Chief Layli Khelafa under Bureau Chief Laura Magnone’s supervision. The Office of Public Defender's Luke O’Brien serves as defense counsel.

All charges are accusations at this stage; guilt must be proven in court where Collier remains presumed innocent until then.