SIGN THE JUSTICE FOR M.C. PETITION
By Richard Luthmann
Ria Aichour, a New Jersey mother, continues her legal battle against the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), alleging they failed to protect her daughter, M.C., from repeated sexual and physical abuse by M.C.'s biological father, Jimmy Cerveaux.
In a recent episode of The Unknown Podcast with journalists Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann, Aichour detailed her harrowing experience of fighting to save her daughter from what she describes as DCPP's systemic failures and cover-ups.
Jill Jones Soderman, Founder and Director of the Foundation for the Child Victims of the Family Courts, joined her.
Medical Concerns Lead to First Disclosure
According to Aichour, her daughter first disclosed the abuse in early 2023 during a doctor’s visit.
"We were on our way to the pediatrician when M.C. told me about the abuse," she explained on the podcast.
The pediatrician made the initial report to DCPP, setting off a chain of events leading to Aichour's legal nightmare.
DCPP conducted interviews with M.C., but according to their findings, the child didn’t disclose any abuse during those sessions.
However, Aichour, who wasn’t present for the interviews, said she installed cameras in her home after being told she was the only one hearing the disclosures. Despite alarming behavior from M.C., including sexualized play and repeated verbal disclosures, DCPP declined to view the video evidence.
18 Months of Ignored Disclosures
Aichour explained that over the next 18 months, M.C. disclosed the abuse to over 15 different individuals, including teachers, doctors, and other mandated reporters.
"At this point, 12 different people had called DCPP or the police, reporting that M.C. had disclosed abuse to them," she said.
Despite these reports, DCPP repeatedly deemed the allegations "unfounded."
Richard Luthmann, a former attorney and co-host of the podcast, pointed out the pattern of denial in cases like Aichour's.
"Too many coincidences make a fact," Luthmann said. "When you have 17 reports from multiple teachers and doctors over a year, it’s almost better than direct evidence."
Doctors Raise the Alarm
Several doctors who examined M.C. became increasingly concerned. Forensic psychiatrist Dr. Bandy Lee was one of the professionals who found the disclosures credible.
"She made very clear, unequivocal disclosures to Dr. Lee and other doctors," Aichour said.
Michael Volpe emphasized the importance of medical professionals’ reports.
"Doctors are trained to distinguish between coached children and those disclosing actual abuse," he said. "If multiple doctors are calling it in, they believe the child is being abused."
Yet despite these mounting concerns, DCPP maintained its stance, refusing to investigate further or view the evidence provided by Aichour.
"They didn’t want to see the videos. They didn’t want to acknowledge what M.C. was saying," Aichour recalled.
Systemic Failures and Allegations of Cover-Up
The pattern of inaction has led Aichour to file a tort claim against DCPP and Hudson County, accusing them of gross negligence and a deliberate cover-up of her daughter’s abuse.
Luthmann described the situation as beyond negligence, saying, "It’s deliberate indifference, if not intentional."
Jill Jones Soderman, another podcast guest and founder of the Foundation for Child Victims of the Family Court, elaborated on the systemic issues at play.
"This isn’t an isolated case," she said. "Millions of children are being tortured and abused, and the systems in place are failing to protect them. The consequences are devastating."
Jones Soderman went further, stating that reunification therapy, often mandated in cases like Aichour’s, is a form of psychological torture for the child.
"It tells children that what they experienced didn’t happen, gaslighting them into silence," she said.
Struggling for Custody
While Aichour fights to protect M.C. legally, she also struggles in the family courts. Despite the evidence of abuse, M.C. was removed from Aichour’s custody and placed with her father, Jimmy Cerveaux.
"DCPP took her from me even after M.C. disclosed severe physical abuse, including strangulation," Aichour said.
She hasn't seen her daughter in three months and fears that without action, she may never regain custody.
"Every day that passes, I don’t know what’s happening to her," Aichour tearfully shared on the podcast. "I count every single day—92 days now."
Mandated Reporter’s Dilemma
Adding to Aichour’s frustrations is her role as a mandated reporter. In New Jersey, individuals who suspect child abuse must report it or face criminal penalties. However, Aichour says she is caught in a bureaucratic nightmare.
"I’ve reported the abuse to the authorities, but they’re the ones allowing it to happen. Who do I report them to?" she asked.
When she went to the police, the response was equally frustrating.
"They told me to report it to DCPP—the very agency I’m accusing of negligence," she said. "It’s a Kafkaesque situation. I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t."
Legal and Advocacy Fight Continues
Despite the obstacles, Aichour is determined to continue her fight. She has filed a petition to urge the judge in her case to return M.C. to her custody and compel DCPP to act in her daughter’s best interest.
"This isn’t just about me and my daughter," Aichour said. "It’s about ensuring that no other child goes through what M.C. is enduring."
Richard Luthmann vowed to keep covering the case.
"This isn’t over," he said. "We will continue to shine a light on this story until justice is served."
As Aichour’s legal battles continue, she remains hopeful but realistic.
"The system has failed M.C.," she said. "But I won’t stop fighting for her."
The Unknown Podcast: NJ Mother Takes DCPP to Court Over Abuse Cover-Up