Here’s a rewritten version of the news article, expanded to provide more detail and context.
New Jersey Mother Arrested for Allegedly Forcing Child to Wear Dog Shock Collar
A disturbing case of alleged child abuse has come to light in Cape May County, New Jersey, resulting in the arrest of a 30-year-old mother. Kimberly Cruz-Feliciano faces a slew of charges, including endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault, witness tampering, and hindering law enforcement, according to a press release from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office. The accusations stem from an incident in which Cruz-Feliciano allegedly forced her child to wear a dog shock collar, causing visible injuries.
The investigation was initiated on March 17th after the child arrived at Cape May City Elementary School with noticeable marks on their body. School officials, concerned by the child’s appearance, promptly alerted the authorities. A subsequent examination revealed that the marks were consistent with those caused by a dog shock collar, a device designed to deliver an electrical shock to control a dog’s behavior.
The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Unit, in collaboration with the Cape May City Police Department, immediately launched a joint investigation into the matter. Their swift action led to the arrest of Cruz-Feliciano the following day. The charges against her reflect the severity of the alleged abuse and the potential harm inflicted upon the child.
Further investigation uncovered a particularly troubling aspect of the case: Cruz-Feliciano allegedly threatened the child with additional violence if they revealed the abuse to anyone. This act of witness tampering with the threat of force further underscores the alleged abuse and the lengths to which Cruz-Feliciano purportedly went to conceal her actions. The emotional and psychological impact of such threats on a child can be profound and long-lasting.
Dog shock collars, the device allegedly used in the abuse, are capable of delivering significant electrical charges. Some models can administer shocks as high as 100 volts, a level of electricity that can cause pain, discomfort, and even physical harm, especially to a child. The use of such a device on a child is widely considered to be a form of cruel and unusual punishment.
WPVI reported that the victim provided a disturbing account to officers, stating that the dog collar was kept in a bedroom among the belongings of the family’s deceased dog. Adding to the unsettling nature of the situation, the victim claimed that the collar was regularly charged even after the animal’s death. This detail raises questions about the motivation behind keeping and maintaining the collar and its potential association with the alleged abuse.
According to reports, Cruz-Feliciano allegedly admitted to the abuse during questioning by police. She also implicated her mother, Sonia Feliciano, 59, in the cover-up. Cruz-Feliciano allegedly told police that she asked her mother to dispose of the shock collar in an attempt to conceal the evidence of the crime.
Sonia Feliciano, the child’s maternal grandmother, now faces charges of hindering the investigation and tampering with evidence. She was released on a summons and is awaiting court proceedings. The involvement of the grandmother in allegedly attempting to cover up the abuse adds another layer of complexity to the case.
The allegations paint a disturbing picture of child abuse and a subsequent attempt to obstruct justice. The case has understandably generated significant concern within the Cape May County community and beyond.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffery H. Sutherland issued a statement emphasizing the dedication of law enforcement agencies to protecting vulnerable members of the community. "This case highlights the ongoing dedication of our law enforcement agencies to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community," Sutherland stated. "We take all allegations of child abuse with the utmost seriousness, and we will continue to ensure that those responsible for such heinous acts are held fully accountable under the law."
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need to report any suspicion of child abuse. The well-being and safety of children are paramount, and communities must work together to protect them from harm. This case will likely proceed through the court system, where all the evidence will be presented, and the individuals involved will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by the community and those concerned with child welfare. It serves as a reminder of the potential for abuse and the critical role of law enforcement and social services in protecting children.
