10 North Main Street

Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

Hon. Anne Milgram

Office of the Attorney General

P.O. Box 080

Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0080

July 15.2008

RE: Violence Against Women

Dear Attorney General Milgram:

The Cape May County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women

formally requests that the office of the Attorney General investigate the circumstances surrounding two recent sexual assault criminal cases that took place in Cape May County.

The first involved the sexual assaults of a 12-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl by four adult males from Philadelphia- Michael Ciancaglini, Steven Powers, Michael Piccolo and Richard Leidy. Due to egregious errors made by the arresting authorities the sentencing Judge was Constitutionally required to suppress evidence.

The final sentence is reported to be thirty days house arrest and 200 hours of community service.

According to an editorial in the Atlantic City Press the “Prosecutor’s Office says it is satisfied with the outcome.” However Madame General, the Commission is charged with representing the interests of the women of the County and this is not a satisfactory outcome.

The second case involves yet another little girl, this one 6 years of age. The defendant who pled guilty to the crime was given, on the recommendation of the Prosecutor’s Office, “time served.” Again leaving the Judge no wiggle room.

“Time served” for luring a six-year-old girl from her yard to his apartment where he sexually assaulted her. Pending sentencing the defendant, Fausto Ferrar, was permitted by the Prosecutor’s Office to move back, right next door to the victim. She had to see him every day. Her Mother was threatened by his friends. Threats, which she reported, to the authorities and to date no action has been taken against those making the threats.

Would you also please provide a clarification as to State policy regarding the holding of illegal aliens charged with a serious crime and State notification of Federal immigration authorities.

Mr. Ferrar was an illegal alien with an extensive arrest record, nine arrests in eleven years and three convictions, yet he was still released to move back next door to the six year old victim he had terrorized.

Has the State of New Jersey designated Cape May County as a “Sanctuary “ area such as has been done with Newark? If so please give us a clarification of the State’s policy in these circumstances.

General Milgram, we are requesting that your office look into these matters as you are legislatively charged with investigating bias crimes including those targeted against women.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Cape May County Advisory Commission on the Status

Of Women – Kathy Bresan Chair

Cc: Hon. Ralph Bakely

Commission members

Approved by Unanimous vote.