A New Jersey woman was arrested on accusations of child abuse after reportedly making her child wear an electronic pet shock collar. The investigation began when the child showed up at school with noticeable marks on their body, prompting school officials to call authorities. The district attorney’s office, in partnership with the local police department, opened an inquiry into the reported injuries.
Investigators concluded that the markings were created by an electric shock collar made for pets, which the 30-year-old parent, later named as Kimberly, reportedly used to chastise her child. The family’s deceased pet possessed the collar, which they reportedly charged and stored in a bedroom alongside other dog-related items. According to studies, these collars may deliver electrical charges of up to 100 volts.
Authorities claim that the mom forced the youngster, whose name has not been revealed, to wear the shock coat at all times while at home, using it as a form of punishment whenever the child displeased her. The child said that the collar was maintained in the same bedroom as the deceased animal’s things and was charged on a regular basis even after the creature died.
The woman was detained and charged with several crimes, including two counts of second-degree aggravated assault, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, one act of first-degree witness tampering with threat of force, and one count of third-degree impeding. She is currently being held at the county detention facility, awaiting legal hearings.
Along with the father’s accusations, authorities arrested Sonya, 59, and charged her with fourth-degree tampering with evidence and obstructing prosecution. Authorities claim she helped dispose of the electric car to impede the investigation. She was released until her court appearance.
According to reports, the mother admitted to the abuse and claimed that she used the collar on her child when he refused to listen. She also allegedly threatened the child with more violence if they reported the assault to others.
The incident has caused shockwaves in the New Jersey neighborhood, with neighbors expressing fury and alarm about the charges. Prosecutor Jefrey underscored the gravity of the charges, saying, “We take all allegations of child abuse extremely seriously, and we will continue to ensure that those responsible for such heinous acts are held fully accountable under the law.”
As the legal proceedings continue, the community remains alert, hoping for justice and the safety of the child involved.
