A former child care worker in New Jersey sexually abused two children, the AG says

Trent L. Collier, formerly of Newark and currently of Savannah, GA, was charged in a seven-count indictment with sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual contact, attempted aggravated sexual assault and official misconduct based on Collier’s alleged sexually abusive conduct toward the two minor victims, said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.

Earlier this year, Collier admitted collecting child pornography. federal officials said.

According to an investigation by the NJSP Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and Homeland Security Investigations, the first victim was allegedly sexually abused while Collier was serving as a DCPP caseworker for the victim’s family. Collier allegedly verbally and physically threatened the victim that he would remove him from his family if he disclosed the abuse, Platkin said.

Multiple instances of the alleged abuse occurred in a DCPP office as well as in a DCPP vehicle, Platkin said.

Collier used his position as a DCPP caseworker to facilitate the sexual abuse, including using his DCPP vehicle to facilitate an attack on the second victim, authorities said. He also offered the second victim financial incentives to prevent disclosure, Platkin added.

Collier was charged with sexual assault, attempted aggravated sexual assault, endangering the welfare of children by impairing or defaming the morals of a child, official misconduct, aggravated criminal sexual contact and enticement.

Second-degree charges are punishable by 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.

Collier is being held pending trial.

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