A Princeton graduate who was involved in various organizations at the university, including leading the queer alumni club, was arrested on a child porn possession charge. Roy “Trey” Farmer, aged 53, was taken into custody after police searched his condo in Princeton following a tip about the upload of child sexual abuse material. He was charged with third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material and investigators seized multiple pieces of possible evidence during the search. Farmer had recently become the president of the Queer Princeton Alumni organization, previously known as the Bisexual, Transgender, Gay and Lesbian Association.
In addition to his role with the Queer Princeton Alumni, Farmer had been involved in other groups such as the Princeton University Glee Club Foundation, where he served as president, and Princeton Internships in Civic Service and Princeton of Southwest Florida. During an Alumni Spotlight interview, Farmer expressed his belief in the positive impact of bringing Princeton graduates together for volunteering and networking. He had earned master’s degrees from both Yale and Harvard and had worked in the telecom industry before moving into private equity. He was also involved in organizing art festivals around the world.
Despite his involvement in various organizations, Farmer was not an employee of Princeton but a volunteer. Prosecutors filed a motion to keep Farmer in detention leading up to his trial, and a hearing on the matter was delayed until the next week. The case against Farmer highlights the challenges that can arise when individuals who are involved in prestigious organizations or positions are accused of serious crimes. The situation also raises questions about the oversight and vetting processes for volunteers in organizations like the Queer Princeton Alumni and other groups Farmer was a part of.
The arrest of Farmer has likely had a significant impact on the Princeton community, particularly within the Queer Princeton Alumni organization. This incident may prompt a review of the practices and policies regarding background checks and monitoring of individuals in leadership positions within alumni groups. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining strict ethical standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of community members. Moving forward, there may be increased scrutiny of individuals in leadership roles within alumni organizations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Given Farmer’s extensive involvement in various organizations and his prestigious educational background, his arrest on a child porn possession charge has undoubtedly shocked many in the Princeton community. The case highlights the potential for individuals in positions of influence to be involved in criminal activities and raises concerns about the possible harm that can result from such behavior. As the legal proceedings against Farmer continue, there will likely be ongoing discussions within the Princeton alumni community about how best to prevent and address similar situations in the future. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance and accountability in all organizational settings, regardless of the status or reputation of those involved.
