Burlington County Child Care Worker Accused of Soliciting Child Pornography While Posing as Teen Online

Online Exploitation Charges Filed Against Southampton Child Care Worker

Authorities in Burlington County have arrested and charged a 23-year-old child care worker in connection with a disturbing online child pornography investigation. Kristopher Trela, formerly employed by Champions, a before- and after-school program in Southampton Township, was taken into custody on August 8, 2025, after receiving multiple cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

According to the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Trela used several online platforms—including Discord, Snapchat, and Instagram—to pose as an underage girl. He allegedly sent explicit images and videos to minor boys and solicited them to send child sexual abuse materials in return.

Authorities Seize Evidence Following Community Concerns

Law enforcement officers searched Trela’s residence in Pemberton, NJ, after connecting the online activity to him. Neighbors described a heavy police presence during the search. One anonymous resident reported, “There were multiple police officers out here… my wife always had a bad feeling. She used to say, ‘Don’t let our granddaughter play outside.’ She was right.”

Investigators say Trela also exchanged child sexual abuse materials with other adult men. While no evidence has surfaced indicating that children in the Champions program were directly harmed, authorities are continuing their investigation and encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Immediate Termination and Community Concerns

Following his arrest, Champions terminated Trela's employment and issued a statement confirming that all employees undergo comprehensive state and federal background checks before being hired. However, residents are still expressing concerns about the danger posed to children and the lack of preventive measures that may have failed to detect Trela’s behavior earlier.

“I don’t think he should be walking around on the street,” said John Hughes, a concerned Southampton Township resident, referencing Trela’s release following a detention hearing.

Another resident, Dawn Rozek, commented on the broader dangers of digital abuse: “It’s just more prominent now because of social media and things like that.”

The Growing Threat of Online Child Exploitation

Cases like this underscore the persistent threat of online predators who exploit social media and messaging platforms to target vulnerable children. Even trusted figures—like youth program staff—can engage in deceptive and criminal behavior that causes lasting trauma to victims.

At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we believe in holding perpetrators accountable and advocating for the safety of children throughout New Jersey. We represent survivors of child sexual abuse, online exploitation, and institutional negligence in civil court.

Legal Advocacy for Child Sexual Abuse Victims in New Jersey

Led by Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., our legal team is dedicated to supporting survivors and their families through the civil justice system. We understand the psychological, emotional, and physical toll abuse can take—especially when it involves someone in a position of trust.

If you or someone you know has been affected by Kristopher Trela or by online child sexual exploitation, we are here to help. Legal options may include pursuing damages through civil litigation against individuals, organizations, or institutions that failed to protect children from abuse.

Contact Survivors of Abuse NJ for a Confidential Consultation

Our firm offers free and confidential consultations to survivors and their families. If you believe your child may have been victimized by someone in a youth program, school, or online setting, don’t wait to take action.

Call (856) 596-8000 or visit SurvivorsofAbuseNJ.com to speak with Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., and learn more about how we can support your pursuit of justice.

Source:

https://6abc.com/post/burlington-county-nj-child-care-worker-charged-soliciting-pornography/17550757/