Cape May Mother & Grandmother Charged With Child Abuse

Sunday, March 23, 2025, 2:30 P.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News

CAPE MAY, NJ.- On Thursday, March 20, 2025, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland reported that Kimberly Cruz-Felicano, 30, and Sonia Felicano, 59, both residing on Broad Street Court in Cape May, New Jersey, were taken into custody and charged in connection with an investigation into allegations of child abuse.

     On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Cape May City Police Department contacted the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit after receiving a report from school officials that a child had arrived at school with visible marks on their body.

Investigation Uncovers Child Abuse

     During a subsequent joint investigation by the Cape May County Special Victims Unit and the Cape May City Police Department, Detectives found that the marks were caused by an electric dog shock collar. Detectives further uncovered that Cruz-Felicano abused both of her children and further threatened both victims with additional violence if they told anyone about the abuse. 

     Accordingly, Cruz-Felicano was taken into custody and formally charged with two counts of second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child; two counts of second-degree Aggravated Assault; one count of first-degree Witness Tampering by Force; and one count of third Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution. Cruz-Felicano was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Cape May County Correctional Center pending future court proceedings in Cape May County Superior Court.

    Further investigation revealed that Ms. Cruz-Felicano’s mother and maternal grandmother of the children provided misleading statements to Detectives, resulting in charges being filed. Ms. Felicano was formally charged with one count of fourth-degree Hindering; and one count of fourth-degree Tampering with Evidence. Felicano was processed on the charges and was released on a complaint summons pending future court proceedings in Cape May County Superior Court.

     Prosecutor Sutherland emphasized, “This case highlights the ongoing dedication of our law enforcement agencies to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. 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 rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”