2004 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

February 4, 2004

With a Florida case once again focusing the nation's attention on the horror of child abductions, Camden County law enforcement officials announced today that are sponsoring a forum this month to provide the community with information to help protect children.

The session is being organized in response to a series of lurings and attempted abductions in recent months in the county's southern region. It is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Highland Regional High School in Gloucester Township. It was announced today by Camden County Prosecutor Vincent P. Sarubbi, Camden County Superintendent of Schools Daniel Mastrobuono, Berlin Township Police Chief Michael J. Hayden, Clementon Police Chief William Malseed, Gloucester Township Police Chief John Stollsteimer, Lindenwold Police Chief Francis McHenry, Pine Hill Police Chief Kenneth Cheeseman and Winslow Police Chief Anthony Bello.

"The tragedy playing out today with the abduction of an 11-year-old Florida girl strikes far too close to home," Sarubbi said, noting that lurings and attempted abductions have threatened children in at least half a dozen Camden County towns. "Suspects are approaching children on our streets. Information and community education - particularly parents educating their children - is perhaps the best was we can prevent children from being victimized."

In New Jersey, luring or enticing a child into a motor vehicle, or attempting to do so, constitutes a crime. As of Jan. 9, 2004, the crime is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.

In advance of the forum, Sarubbi directed parents to the Web site of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com for a wealth of useful information on protecting children.

At the upcoming forum, officials will distribute composite sketches and provide updates on the investigations. To draw as many people as possible to the event, each town will be sending letters home with their middle-school age children to notify parents. The Prosecutor's Office and local police also plan to coordinate distribution of fliers at businesses and public buildings. Media coverage is also expected to help assure success in attracting people to the important event.

Sarubbi thanked the police chiefs, Superintendent Mastrobuono and other school officials for their commitment and cooperation in working to make vital information available to area residents.