Cape May Mother Charged in Shocking Child Abuse Case
A New Jersey mother has been arrested and charged with multiple counts after allegedly forcing her young child to wear an electric dog shock collar that left visible marks on the victim’s body. Authorities also arrested the child’s grandmother for allegedly helping dispose of evidence in the disturbing case that has shaken the Cape May community.
Kimberly Cruz-Feliciano, 30, faces potentially decades in prison after being charged with multiple serious offenses, including endangering the welfare of a child, aggravated assault, and witness tampering, according to a news release from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
School Staff Alert Authorities
The abuse came to light on March 17 when the child arrived at Cape May City Elementary School with visible marks on their body. Concerned school staff alerted authorities, prompting an immediate investigation by the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Cape May City Police Department.
Investigators quickly determined that the marks were caused by an electric dog shock collar, devices that can deliver electrical charges as high as 100 volts. Cruz-Feliciano was arrested the following day as evidence of the alleged abuse mounted.
According to court documents reported by FOX 29, the victim told officers that the collar was kept in a bedroom among items belonging to the family’s deceased dog. Disturbingly, the collar was reportedly kept charged regularly even after the animal’s death.
Threats and Evidence Tampering
The case took an even darker turn as investigators discovered Cruz-Feliciano had allegedly threatened the child with additional violence if they reported the abuse. This threat led to additional charges of witness tampering with threat of force against the mother.
The investigation also implicated the child’s maternal grandmother, 59-year-old Sonia Feliciano. According to reports, Cruz-Feliciano admitted to police that she had instructed her mother to dispose of the shock collar in an attempt to hide evidence of the abuse.
As a result, the grandmother now faces charges of hindering and tampering with evidence. She has been released on a summons pending court proceedings, while Cruz-Feliciano remains in custody at the Cape May County Correctional Center awaiting her next court appearance.
CHILD ABUSE CHARGES: Cape May Co. Prosecutor’s Office charged Kimberly Cruz-Feliciano, 30, for allegedly forcing her child to wear a dog shock collar and using it when the child made her angry.
— Briana Smith (@brianasmithnews) March 22, 2025
Neighbors are surprised by what happened behind closed doors.@6abc at 11: pic.twitter.com/EOWzNRqmUa
Potential Consequences
“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 in a statement. “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.”
If convicted, Cruz-Feliciano could face up to 20 years in prison for the multiple charges. The endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault charges alone carry significant penalties in New Jersey, with the witness tampering charge adding additional potential years to any sentence.
NJ mom made young child wear dog’s shock collar: cops https://t.co/RrrCQxXdIZ pic.twitter.com/dP8LicajQZ
— New York Post (@nypost) March 23, 2025
Community Response
The case has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Cape May community, known primarily as a picturesque beach destination at the southern tip of New Jersey. Local child advocacy groups have expressed outrage over the allegations while praising the school staff for their vigilance in reporting the suspected abuse.
Though authorities have not released the age or gender of the child to protect their privacy, court documents indicate the victim is elementary school-aged. The current custody situation and placement of the child have not been disclosed, though in similar cases, children are typically placed in protective custody through New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
History of Shock Collar Abuse
While rare, this is not the first case of a parent using a dog shock collar as a form of child abuse. Similar cases have been prosecuted across the country in recent years, with medical experts emphasizing the physical and psychological damage such devices can cause to children.
Dr. Melissa Merrick, president and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, has previously noted that such devices can cause not only physical harm but profound psychological trauma that can have lifelong effects. “The betrayal of trust when a caregiver inflicts this type of punishment can cause lasting damage to a child’s sense of safety and security,” she stated in a separate case.
The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office has indicated the investigation is ongoing and has urged anyone with additional information to contact their Special Victims Unit. Meanwhile, local schools are reinforcing training for staff on recognizing and reporting signs of potential child abuse.
