Arrest Made in N.J. Girl’s Kidnapping

A man was arrested and charged Monday with kidnapping a 6-year-old girl from a quiet New Jersey neighborhood where her family moved to as a haven after the World Trade Center attacks, authorities said.

Barry Sherman, 37, was arrested at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, N.J., and charged with first-degree kidnapping, endangering the welfare of a child and making terrorist threats, said FBI Special Agent William Evanina.

He was brought to the hospital Sunday when a park ranger found him lying unconscious on the beach at Sandy Hook State Park after an apparent suicide attempt.

The child was playing in the front yard of her home Thursday when she was lured into a black car just before noon. A massive manhunt involving more than 100 local police and FBI agents ensued.

Sherman allegedly posted a ransom note and made two calls demanding a $175,000 payment for the return of Anna Cardelfe of Spring Lake, N.J., the FBI said. No money was paid.

After being dropped off at a local mall Friday morning, the girl was found unharmed and returned to her parents.

At the hospital, Sherman gave his sister a note that she turned over to the FBI in which he allegedly confessed to the abduction. He faces a maximum of 45 years in prison if found guilty of the charges.

Sherman is expected to be arraigned in Monmouth County Superior Court today. Bail has been set at $1,350,000, Evanina said.