CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY — A Cape May mother has been charged in connection with allegedly using an electric dog shock collar on her children.
Kimberly Cruz-Feliciano, 30, of Broad Street, was charged with two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, one count of witness tampering with threat of force and one count of hindering an investigation.
“This case highlights the ongoing dedication of our law enforcement agencies to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said. “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.”
In addition, Sonia Feliciano, 59, the victims’ maternal grandmother, was charged with one count of hindering and one count of tampering with evidence.
Cruz-Feliciano were processed and lodged at the Cape May County Jail pending further court proceedings. Feliciano was released on a summons pending court proceedings.
On March 17, the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, in collaboration with the Cape May Police Department, launched a joint investigation after a report was made that a child arrived at school with visible marks on the body.
Further investigation revealed that the marks were the result of an electric dog shock collar, prompting immediate and decisive action from law enforcement, according to a news release announcing the arrests.
Investigators learned Cruz-Feliciano threatened the victims with more violence if they disclosed the ongoing abuse, authorities alleged.