Mark Himebaugh and The Trafficking Happening at Woodbine: What do they have in common?

Mark Himebaugh went missing on November 25, 1991. Seven days later, I went to school with visible injuries that led to a DYFS investigation of my family. I was never removed from my home, but the stigma followed me and shaped my life, eventually leading my husband and me to become foster parents and lifelong advocates for children.

Mark’s disappearance changed everything in the community. There was increased police presence everywhere, and federal authorities were here trying to find answers for the Himebaugh family. Then everyone left leaving an entire community with questions

That same year, while rehearsing for a school play, I was questioned by four men, three in suits and one in uniform. I was later told, in child-appropriate language, that my name appeared on an early internet forum advertising children for exploitation. My name was just two names below Mark Himebaugh’s. I was assured my name would be removed. I did not fully understand what any of it meant at the time. I was a fifth grader. I just knew I was scared and wanted to feel safe.

Weeks later, a Middle Township Elementary #2 Teacher took me on a trip to New York City, The Elementary #2 Principal met us there. I was briefly separated from them at Trump Tower and escorted by security, photographed, and released back to my people after paperwork was signed.

When I returned to school after Christmas break, I was told my name was no longer on the list. I was also told the list had been created using a Middle Township High School computer by two teachers from the Middle Township High School. At the time, the information meant nothing to me.

As I grew older, I learned who those teachers were. One, Chuck Luesner later became a politician. The other, Gary Barber, became my teacher for several years. As an adult, I can recognize his behavior toward me as inappropriate. After I graduated, he was arrested, lost his teaching license, and served time for having a relationship with a student.

Years later, my concerns became immediate and personal again when Gary Barber physically grabbed my child in public at the CVS in CMCH. I tried reporting it repeatedly. CVS preserved the footage, but police and the prosecutor’s office refused to retrieve it.

Instead of investigating Chuck Luesner or Gary Barber sharing a computer at MTHS, The online list, the MTPD sent child protective services to my home, and my custodial rights were terminated and I had to jump through hoops to get them back. I went from be a foster mom to not even having custody of my own children. It was awful.

Years later, I requested OPRA records and that revealed no meaningful documentation of my concerns and no investigation into Gary Barber ever happened. The MTPD has done absolutely NOTHING. The Cape May County Prosecutor’s office has done the same.

Multiple police chiefs have come and gone. None have addressed the safety risk to the community. No one would explain why a known Megan’s Law offender appeared to be protected. I continue to believe this negligence puts the entire community at risk.

On the anniversary of Mark Himebaugh’s disappearance this year, local officials posted statements claiming an “unwavering commitment to justice”. I reached out directly to the current head prosecutor and police chief who penned statements echoing that commitment setiment. I repeated their own words to them and explaining that I had knowledge about the case, offering information, case numbers, and even access to the child who was grabbed. I received no response. I waited 2 weeks. Silence speaks louder than words. I then gave them a 24 hour courtesy asking them to respond quickly If they didnt want this to become a public matter. This post Is what they have chosen.

I do not claim certainty. I only speak from lived experience. What I know is this: for decades, members of the community of Cape May County have raised serious concerns, and too often those concerns have been ignored, buried, or weaponized against the very people trying to protect kids like Mark Himebaugh who deserved justice. As with Mark, so do the children of Woodbine Elementary School and the children being trafficked out of the Janitor’s Office that I witnessed while holding a seat on the Woodbine Board of Education.

Time and Time again I heard stories on how the MTPD has failed Mark. I see it in full force and add the CMC Prosocutors office to the list. It is time for someone to pay attention. Time is up. The people of this county deserve transparency, accountability, and law enforcement that prioritizes safety over power. Enough is freaking enough.