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Public commenters allege jail mistreatment and a human‑trafficking ring; residents press for local safety and history items
Summary
During public comment, Lisa Rippo read a certification alleging false imprisonment and mistreatment at the county correctional center; Beth Norton Gray alleged a long‑running human‑trafficking ring connected to Woodbine Elementary School; other comments included Avalon Manor traffic‑safety support and a resident's inquiry about a local landmark.
Several members of the public addressed the board during the public comment period. Lisa Rippo of Wildwood Crest read what she described as a shortened formal certification alleging false imprisonment and ongoing mistreatment while incarcerated at the Cape May County Correctional Center; her remarks occupied the five‑minute period allotted and concluded when she timed out.
Beth Norton Gray of Dennis Township said she has for years reported what she alleged is a human‑trafficking ring connected to Woodbine Elementary School and said that, as her family prepares to leave Cape May County, she wanted the allegations entered into the public record. Gray characterized her effort as long‑running and said she first observed and reported activities in 2009; the transcript records her assertion but does not record a response from county officials during the meeting.
Other public comments were less accusatory: Connie Kindler of Avalon Manor thanked the county engineer and urged approval of traffic‑calming measures, and Mac Carsey of Lower Township asked about a small Anglesea landmark destroyed in the 1962 Ash Wednesday storm and suggested exploration of vegan‑focused facilities for future development. The board did not respond directly to the specific allegations in this meeting; the minutes record that public comment closed and the meeting adjourned.
