Mom of Camden sex assault victim speaks

CAMDEN - February 13, 2012

Three of the victims have been minors.

The most recent attack happened Saturday.

Action News spoke with the victim's mother Monday night.

"She will never ever forget it and I know she won't forget it," the mother said.

The 16-year-old was walking along Baird Boulevard near Camden High School Saturday afternoon when the sexual predator grabbed her.

He forced her into the wooden area of Farnham Park, punched her, and repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her.

"That's my baby girl. She was a virgin and he took her virginity from her and I don't think that's right," the mother said.

Police continued to comb the area for clues Monday evening.

Right now, investigators do not have a good description of the suspect because his face has been partially masked.

In all the cases, he's produced a gun or threatened with a knife.

"I thank God this guy did not kill my daughter," the mother said.

Police have stepped up their presence in the area.

"We are going to beef patrols in that area, we are doing sweeps in the park with our K9 officers and we are asking the public to be circumspect and report any suspicious activity," Camden Police Chief Scott Thomson said.

The attack conjured up horrifying memories for this mother of three.

She says she too was raped in the same area in the late 1970's.

She knows the impact it can have and she prays counseling will one day provide her daughter some peace.

"I don't want another teenager, another mother suffering what I'm going through right now because I am suffering," the mother said.

Police are urging people to report anything suspicious.

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