Kimberly Cruz-Feliciano, a 30-year-old mother from New Jersey, was arrested after allegedly forcing her child to wear a dog shock collar, leaving marks on the child’s neck. She was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of aggravated assault, one count of witness tampering with threat of force, and one count of hindering. The abuse was discovered when the child arrived at Cape May City Elementary School with visible marks on the body, later determined to be caused by the shock collar. Cruz-Feliciano was arrested following a joint investigation by the prosecutor’s office’s Special Victims Unit and the Cape May City Police Department.
Investigators found that Cruz-Feliciano had threatened the child with more violence if the abuse was reported. The victim informed officers that the shock collar was kept in a bedroom with items that belonged to the family’s deceased dog, and that it was regularly charged after the animal’s death. Shock collars can deliver electrical charges as high as 100 volts. Cruz-Feliciano reportedly admitted to the abuse and had her mother, Sonia Feliciano, dispose of the collar. Sonia Feliciano, the victim’s maternal grandmother, is facing charges of hindering and tampering with evidence, but was released on a summons pending court proceedings.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that it highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies to protecting vulnerable members of the community. He declared that all allegations of child abuse are taken seriously and that those responsible for such acts will be held fully accountable under the law. Cruz-Feliciano’s arrest and the subsequent charges against her and her mother underscore the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in the community.
The use of a shock collar on a child is a disturbing and potentially dangerous form of abuse. The fact that Cruz-Feliciano threatened her child with more violence if the abuse was reported further highlights the severity of the situation. Shock collars are designed for pets and can deliver powerful electrical charges that can cause harm. The victim’s grandmother’s involvement in disposing of the collar and attempting to cover up the abuse adds another layer of complexity to the case.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of identifying and addressing cases of child abuse promptly. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the prosecutor’s office in conducting a thorough investigation demonstrates a commitment to holding individuals accountable for mistreating children. The charges brought against Cruz-Feliciano and her mother send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face legal consequences for their actions.
Moving forward, it is essential for communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicions or concerns of child abuse to authorities. By working together to protect vulnerable children and hold perpetrators accountable, society can strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for all young individuals. The arrest of Kimberly Cruz-Feliciano and the subsequent legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to safeguard children from harm and ensure that those who endanger their welfare are brought to justice.
