COURT HOUSE — Three more fugitives have been brought to justice thanks in part to collaboration between county law enforcement and this newspaper.
In recent days, Cape May County Sheriff Gary Schaffer announced the capture of Tanya E. Smith, Ryan Daniel Tomes and Shania Rojas. All three had been identified with mug shots and identifiers in a regular feature in the Herald print edition and online at CapeMayCountyHerald.com.
Smith, 41, was wanted for probation violation with an original charge of drug possession; Tomes, 21, was also wanted on a probation violation with an original theft charge; and Rojas, 23, was wanted for failure to appear in Superior Court with an original charge of endangering the welfare of a child.
In total, there have been 11 individuals captured or surrendered since the collaboration began on April 1. Those who were captured include Leroy Hutchinson, Todd Ogden, John Leszcynski, Deanna Nelson and James Powell. Those who surrendered were Kairi Brooks, William Fox and Quinton Hatcher.
See page A10 in the Herald for this week’s featured fugitives.
“We have enhanced our working relationships with the Prosecutor’s Office and local police departments on various law enforcement initiatives including our fugitive units,” Schaffer said when the collaboration began in April.
“I am excited about reaching out to the media for their assistance in helping public safety and looking forward to getting help from our citizens. It is through open partnerships like this that will make our county even a safer place to live.”
“I look forward to working with Sheriff Schaffer on this new public safety initiative. I would like to thank the Herald and Managing Editor Al Campbell for their assistance in this public service,” Prosecutor Robert Taylor added.
When the Herald and county law enforcement began this collaboration, it’s unlikely any of the parties would have thought it would be so successful.
What should people do if they encounter a fugitive?
Citizens are asked to contact the County Prosecutor’s Tip Line at 463-LEAD (609)-463-5323) or the County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (609)-675-1207) with their tips. The public is urged not to attempt to apprehend the fugitives by themselves.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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