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An Atlantic City, New Jersey, man is facing multiple charges for torturing and killing free-roaming cats and threatening a teenage neighbor with a knife. Demand maximum sentencing in this case!

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, after investigating reports of cats being killed by concerned citizens, in July 2025, Atlantic City police arrested Edwin Sanabia, who was charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty for allegedly luring neighborhood cats into his home with food, only to torture and kill them and throw their bodies in a nearby dumpster.
 

Sanabia faces 4 charges of 4th degree crime for physical abuse of cats, which is classified as a felony under New Jersey law. These charges are tied to the abuse and torment inflicted upon the innocent cats. Each of these 4th degree crimes could result in a penalty of up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Additionally, Sanabia is facing 8 charges of 3rd degree crime for causing the deaths of the cats, a more severe classification. Conviction on each of these 3rd degree charges could lead to a penalty of up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

That's not all he's in trouble for. According to the Atlantic City Police Department, Sanabia was also arrested in June for threatening a teenager with a knife, chasing him, and exposing himself to him while making lewd comments. He was charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and lewdness. Related to that incident, there was also a disorderly conduct charge, which is a misdemeanor.

He was charged with:

• Aggravated Assault: This is a felony charge in New Jersey. If convicted, Sanabia could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
• Unlawful Possession of a Weapon: This is a felony charge in New Jersey. If convicted, Sanabia could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
• Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose: This is a felony charge in New Jersey. If convicted, Sanabia could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
• Lewdness: This is a misdemeanor charge in New Jersey. If convicted, Sanabia could face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Disorderly Conduct: This is also a misdemeanor charge in New Jersey. Penalties for disorderly conduct in New Jersey include up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, probation, community service, and restitution for any damage caused.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Serial Cat Killer Has Earned Maximum Sentencing

I am writing to you to support the prosecution of Edwin Sanabia, who is a danger to society. He’s facing multiple charges for his aggression toward his teen neighbor and 12 counts of animal cruelty for torturing and killing cats which clearly demonstrates the necessity for him to serve a large amount of prison time.

I ask that you prosecute Sanabia to the fullest and share my letter with the judge who presides over his sentencing. Sanabia clearly poses a threat to public safety, and is not likely to be stopped by a lenient sentence, even with a mental health evaluation and treatment, which I hope he gets.

The gravity of Sanabia’s actions cannot be overstated. If sentenced to the maximum penalties for all charges — the 12 animal cruelty counts, the four felony and misdemeanor charges involving the teenager, and the disorderly conduct charge — he could face over 62 years in prison. We urge your office to pursue the strongest possible sentences to ensure justice for the cats he tortured and killed, and for the teenage victim he terrorized.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.