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"I was really scared of going to jail"

This time the US Marshals Fugitive Safe Surrender program was performed in Camden and the results of this first day were successful.  Various Hispanics…

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The waiting line reached the other side of the street, people wanted to warm up with a cup of coffee, but not even the intense cold and biting wind discouraged the community ready to solve its legal matters through the Fugitive Safe Surrender program in Camden.

This program, lead by the US Marshals office, last Wednesday, November 19, began a serried of legal procedures to pardon the minor offenses of the fugitives of the community that surrendered before Saturday, November 22.

Not even the low temperatures prevented Hispanic Iris Negrón to wait in line with her baby in her arms in order to enter the facilities of the Bautista Antioch Church, converted into a shelter for fugitives.

“I am happy to be here and finally solve my situation (…) I was scared that I would have to go to jail”, Negrón explained.

She added that for two months now, she had been afraid to leave her house because of a series of traffic tickets and the suspension of her driver’s license, which lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant.

“Coming here allows our family to live in peace, since I can now work and leave my child at school without fearing that I will be detained (…) My eldest son will be excitad”, Negrón stated.

Joshua M. Ottenberg, Assistant Prosecutor of Camden County, explained that the initiative to provide a program to pardon minor offenses began three years ago.

“We have had a positive response, the first person that arrived stood in line since 6:30 am”, he stated, adding that the Federal authorities chose to take this program to Camden due to the high crime rates in the city.  “We hope that this event leads to the coming together of the community and the legal authorities”, Ottenberg stated.

Reverend John O. Parker, the head pastor of the Bautista Antioch Church, said that the religious community has always sought to be involved in social actions benefitting the city.

“When we became aware of the success achieved by the Fugitive Safe Surrender program in Ohio, we started to hold discussions with the corresponding authorities to provide that new opportunity of life in Camden”, he explained. 

Parker added that this program seeks to work with religious offices since the church provides a sense of safety and peace necessary for those wishing to solve their legal problems.

Around 200 people turned up to work as church volunteers.  “I like helping the Hispanic community and see that the Latinos that have come to surrender themselves to not feel intimidated or fearful (…)  IO am glad to see their desire to solve their legal problems and think that being inside a church gives them peace”, said volunteer Yahaira Gómez.

For Gloria Burgos, the lack of money and fear of appearing in court were the reasons why her case was delayed for ten years.  “I haven’t been able to fix my situation since my license was suspended because I didn`t have insurance (…).  The tickets began accumulating and my lack of money did not allow me to fix my situation in a timely manner”, Burgos said.

She added that she learned of the program thanks to the invitation made by the members of the religious community.

“I’m tired of living in fear and never thought that it would affect my life so much” Burgos indicated.   

Heriberto Collazo, a member of the State Parole Board Committee, ensures that this is the first time that something like this takes place in New Jersey.  The most difficult step of the process is stepping forward, all the rest area simple and a question of time”, Collazo explained.

He added that the procedure consists in filling out a form, which establishes if the case must be presented before a judge or the Parole Board committee.  “We have two judges pertaining to the Parole Board, two judges from the City and two or three from the Supreme Court”, said Collazo.

Collazo added that this program offers the opportunity to surrender in a safe environment, without any danger.

“This is important for those who are Hispanics and running from the law, as fugitives, and we are unable to clear our name (…)  Such running from the law does not allow us to find work, appear in public because we fear that we will be arrested for simple such simple matters”, Marisel Negrón, Iris’s mother, added.

The Fugitive Safe Surrender program will continue until November 22, from 9:00 am through 4:00pm.  For more information, calll 1 800 888 861 4393.

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