Strada recently attended one of the nation’s most respected training opportunities available for sheriffs. < Back Sheriff Strada graduates leadership program Strada recently attended one of the nation’s most respected training opportunities available for sheriffs. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently attended and graduated from the National Sheriffs’ Institute in Aurora, Colorado. This no-cost program is sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA). Sheriff Strada was one of twenty-nine sheriffs from throughout the United States who was chosen to attend this nationally recognized leadership training program. He was the first sheriff in Sussex County to attend and one of only a handful of sheriffs from the state of New Jersey. The week-long training focused on contemporary challenges facing America’s sheriffs today. Attendees explored the role of the local sheriff in providing effective leadership for the public good in such areas as public safety, criminal justice system policy, community relations and organization effectiveness and efficiency. Fred G. Wilson, NSA Director of Operations, said “Sheriff Strada is a leader with a vision for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. It is an honor to have Sheriff Strada join the more than 2,500 graduates of the National Sheriffs’ Institute since 1973. The National Sheriffs’ Institute is the only national executive leadership program designed for sheriffs.”

As sheriff of Sussex County, I would like to welcome you to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office web site. It is my hope that this site will be used as an information resource for the citizens of Sussex County, as well as our visitors worldwide. Michael F. Strada Sheriff of Sussex County Welcome Our Services Important Information Please see below for announcements, information, updates and news you can use Sussex County Warming Centers As the winter months approach, the County of Sussex would like to remind residents that all county libraries will be open as warming centers and charging stations. The Montague Municipal Building will also be available as a warming center/charging station. In addition, the Sparta Police Department is also a 24/7 warming center. Hours of operation for each location are listed HERE . Junior Academy (See the flyer here ) Dear Sussex County Community, After an incredibly successful inaugural Junior Academy, I am excited to announce the Second Annual Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy, scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 10, 2026 at the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy. This program is designed for our future leaders and is open to Sussex County 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (2026-2027 school year) who are interested in exploring the world of law enforcement and public safety. The Junior Sheriff’s Academy will provide a unique opportunity for up to 40 prospective recruits to engage in a week of hands-on training and educational experiences. Participants will be formally vetted for acceptance to ensure a positive and enriching environment for all involved. Throughout the week, recruits will participate in daily physical training that includes team-building exercises, obstacle courses, and healthy physical activities. In addition to physical training, the curriculum will cover a variety of important topics, including: Law Enforcement Fundamentals Fire Safety First Aid Drug abuse prevention Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstrations Emergency Operations Drone Demonstrations Rescue Task Force Demonstrations North Star Helicopter Medivac Demonstrations 911 Communication Crime Scene Investigation Motor Vehicle Stops This academy aims to inspire and educate our youth about the vital role of law enforcement and public safety in our community. It is an excellent opportunity for young individuals to develop teamwork skills, gain knowledge, and foster a sense of responsibility. Applications for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy will be posted shortly on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office website. I encourage all interested families to keep an eye out for this announcement and to submit applications promptly, as spaces are limited. July 6 through July 10, 2026 Location : Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy 114 Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ 07860 (across from Sussex County Main Library). Fee : $100 to be collected with application- check or money order payable to: County of Sussex. Payment will not be deposited until after enrollment closure and recruit is accepted into the Academy. Applicants may be County residents entering the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for 2026-2027 school year. Applications available at the Sheriff’s Office or online at www.sussexcountysheriff.com beginning Monday, March 30, 202. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis beginning Monday April 7 . Deadline for returning the completed application packet will be Friday, May 8, 2026 . Class size will be limited to 40 Junior Sheriff’s Recruits. Questions regarding this program may be directed to: jracademy@sussexcountysheriff.com Thank you for your continued support of our youth and community initiatives. I look forward to welcoming our future recruits to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy! Sincerely, Michael F. Strada Sussex County Sheriff Watch the Video from last years event 2025 Sussex County Junior Sheriff's Academy Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Sign Up for The Sussex County Mass Notification System Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news. The Sussex County Office of Emergency Management has partnered with ReGroup to alert you about critical information in your area. Severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations are examples of the situations where community notifications may be necessary. Scan the QR code to sign up of you can use the link HERE . You can choose to receive these notifications by text, phone call and email when you register. There is no cost to the residence of Sussex County. For additional information email emuller@sussexcountysheriff.com Foreclosure Listings + Learn More Crime Stoppers + Learn More Civil Process Unit The Sussex County Sheriff’s Civil Process Unit is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. The civil office is located at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ in front of the main court house. Appointments for Sheriff’s Office Civil Process Unit business ONLY can be scheduled by e-mail or by phone at 973.579.0850, Ext. 2116 or 2104. All fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to “Sussex County Sheriff.” CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Any court related business must be directed to 862.397.5700. Thank you for your cooperation. + Learn More Compliments And Complaints + Learn More News Room The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled for an assessment as part of its program to achieve accreditation by verifying that it meets recognized professional best practices. Jan 12, 2026 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Nov 14, 2025 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff May 15, 2025 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. Mar 4, 2025 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Dec 3, 2024 Read More + Learn More WANTED Pittenger Ryan J Age: 43 Sex Height Eyes Race Weight: 200 Hair Warrant: W26-0018 Offense: Contempt Warrant For: Criminal Court - failure to appear Warrant Date: Wed Jan 28 2026 VIEW ALL Contact

Arrested: Marc E. Peterson, age 24, of Frankford Township, NJ. < Back Frankford Township man arrested for driving while intoxicated Arrested: Marc E. Peterson, age 24, of Frankford Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 1:05 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, July 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling was assigned to traffic enforcement within Frankford Township. While patrolling that area, she observed a gold-colored Saturn operated by Marc E. Peterson traveling in excess of the posted speed limit. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, speaking with Peterson, and observing him attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling found him to be intoxicated. Schilling took Peterson into custody and transported him back to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. Peterson was issued summonses for reckless driving, failure to inspect, failure to maintain lane, speeding, open container in a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated. He was released pending a July 14th court appearance in Frankford Township Municipal Court.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sheriff Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme. < Back Sheriff Strada seeks guidance from attorney general on Gov. Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sheriff Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme. Previous Next In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme and to his administration’s attempt to deprive the voters of Sussex County with an opportunity to have a voice in the matter. Sheriff Strada wrote: In response to a growing outcry of concern from their constituents, on April 10, 2019, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders—the legislative body that represents the people of Sussex County, New Jersey—passed a resolution to place a non-binding public question on the ballot in the county that asks voters to instruct their sheriff on the sanctuary state directive issued by Governor Murphy’s attorney general. The ballot question gives voters a choice to instruct their county sheriff to (1) obey the state directive or (2) follow the laws passed by the Congress of the United States of America, signed by successive presidents of both parties, and upheld by the United States Supreme Court. On May 17, 2019, the Murphy administration—through Attorney General Gurbir Grewal—sent notice to Sussex County Clerk Jeff Parrott that the public question “must not be included” on the ballot in November. It is my understanding that this violates the New Jersey Constitution, which specifically placed elected CONSTITUTIONAL officers (such as the sheriff and county clerk) outside the control of the executive. But more importantly, it is hypocritical to block American citizens from indicating their preference to have their elected officials follow the laws of the United States of America, in favor of compelling them to follow the directives of an appointed state official who is in violation of those laws. Sheriff Strada was clear in his determination to fight the Murphy administration on the sanctuary state issue: On behalf of myself and several members of the freeholder board, I am requesting your guidance in this matter. As the chief law enforcement officer of the United States of America, I believe that law enforcement in New Jersey should be following the federal government in matters of a federal nature. Protecting the borders of the United States, as well as immigration and citizenship (and the criminal laws governing same), are federal matters and not the purview of the states. After all, we are Americans first and foremost, and not the citizens of 50 individual nation-states. For my part, I will continue to fight the Murphy administration on its sanctuary state scheme. I believe it will lead to an expansion of modern slavery—human trafficking and the exploitation of women and children—and of the criminal importation of illegal firearms, narcotics, and opioids. The sanctuary state idea will lead to legal anarchy as well as aiding organized crime and terrorism. It is nothing more than a dangerous and illogical fashion statement. Sheriff Strada was joined by Assemblyman Parker Space (R-24), who lambasted Governor Murphy for his “bullying tactics.” Assemblyman Space said: “On the one hand, Murphy is extending the rights of illegals every week and going further by backing up those so-called rights with taxpayer money and new spending. On the other hand, he is taking away the right to vote from American citizens who live in Sussex County. It is ridiculous and I oppose it.” Freeholder Dawn Fantasia had this to say: “The immigration crisis has led to unprecedented abuse of women and children. The sheriff is right and the people should have the opportunity to vote to ignore a reckless state directive.” Earlier, Freeholder Josh Hertzberg, who began his career as a federal border officer, said the voter initiative was giving the voters the chance of “asking our politicians to follow the law.” Sheriff Mike Strada is in his third term as sheriff of Sussex County. He is a career law enforcement officer who served as a U.S. Army platoon leader in Iraq (Desert Storm). He is married with three children.

Arrested: Michael Moeller, age 50, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Sheriff’s detectives arrest wantage man Arrested: Michael Moeller, age 50, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, March 14, 2013, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties, sheriff’s detectives Matt Caine and William Lunger located Michael Moeller at his residence. Moeller was the subject of two outstanding Superior Court warrants. Further investigation revealed Moeller to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana and a metal smoking device. Detectives Caine and Lunger took Moeller into custody and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing whereupon he was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, both disorderly persons offenses. Moeller was given a future date to appear in Wantage Township Municipal Court to answer the drug offenses and was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional facility pending bail.

Backup facility provides for completely redundant emergency communications capabilities. < Back Public safety telecommunicators exercise the “hot site” Backup facility provides for completely redundant emergency communications capabilities. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office successfully exercised its communications backup facility recently. Rather than answering 911 calls and dispatching emergency service resources from its Frankford Township facility, communications personnel ran the operations from its hot site located at the sheriff’s office in Newton. This backup facility, often referred to as a “hot site,” serves as a redundant communications site to the Frankford location. Real time synchronization between the two sites is used to completely mirror the environment of the main communications site in Frankford using wide area network links and specialized software. In the event of a disruption to the main Frankford site, personnel can relocate to this hot site and resume operations with minimal downtime. In lessons learned from 9/11, this hot site provides for complete redundant emergency communications capabilities from a geographically different location. Sheriff Strada said “It’s great to see that we are prepared should we ever have a disruption.”

Arrested: Shannon H. Foley, age 22, of Newton and Herbert W. Whitesell III, age 31, of Frankford Township, NJ. < Back Drug paraphernalia discovered on prisoner during transport Arrested: Shannon H. Foley, age 22, of Newton and Herbert W. Whitesell III, age 31, of Frankford Township, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, March 29, 2013, while assigned to fugitive transport duties, sheriff’s detectives Kieran McMorrow and William Lunger were assigned to pick up Shannon Foley and Herbert Whitesell from the New Jersey State Police barracks in Netcong and transport them to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. The New Jersey State Police had arrested both of them earlier that day. Foley was the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant and Whitesell was the subject of several municipal court warrants. Further investigation revealed Whitesell to be in the possession of several hypodermic syringes and a glass smoking pipe with cocaine residue. Whitesell and Foley were both transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility and lodged without incident. Herbert Whitesell was issued multiple summonses for possession of drug paraphernalia and issued a future court date to appear in Newton Municipal Court. He remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $6,377. Shannon Foley remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Congratulates 911 Communications Center Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg on her Retirement. Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada and the staff at the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center would like to congratulate, dispatch supervisor, Andrea Wehrenberg on her retirement after a combined 30 years of service. Andrea started dispatching for Newton Police Department in July of 1991 and worked there until March of 2020. Andrea was also a police matron and training officer for most of her 27 years at the department. In 2015 Andrea became a full-time dispatcher for Sussex County communications when the center first opened. She was quickly promoted to supervisor in March of 2016 due to her qualifications, experience and ability to lead. Andrea has become a pillar in the Sussex County communications Center. She is the training coordinator for the Communication center, TAC officer, most senior Supervisor, and our go to person for anything we may need help with professionally or personal. She single handed created our new training program and she has achieved numerous awards throughout her time here including dispatcher of the month multiple times, countless CPR saves, letters of commendation, and more. Andrea is also the only dispatcher to receive a stork pin after giving instructions via 911 to deliver a baby. All of the staff at the Sussex County Communications Center. extend our best wishes to her in her retirement and recognize that her presence here will most certainly be missed. Pictured left to right, 911 Communications Center Director Mark Rozek, Dispatch Supervisor Andrea Wehrenberg and Sheriff Michael F. Strada

Arrested: Steven Moyet, age 27, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back USMC deserter arrested at courthouse Arrested: Steven Moyet, age 27, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, September 5, 2013, while assigned to courtroom security at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer William Ficacci encountered Steven Moyet. Believing Moyet to be the subject of an outstanding federal warrant, Officer Ficacci detained him until the warrant could be confirmed. While waiting for the warrant to be confirmed, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger arrived to assist. Further investigation revealed Moyet had deserted from the United States Marine Corps several months earlier. Upon confirmation of the warrant, Moyet was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Steven Moyet was lodged without bail in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility and he remained there until September 10, 2013, whereupon he was returned to the care and custody of the United States Marine Corps military police.

The monetary donation was used to purchase equipment for the program. < Back Project Lifesaver receives donation from Division of Senior Services The monetary donation was used to purchase equipment for the program. Previous Next Sheriff Strada recently accepted a donation on behalf of his office from the Sussex County Division of Senior Services. The monetary donation was used to purchase Project Lifesaver equipment, including a mobile locator tracking system. Project Lifesaver is an international program that assists sheriff’s personnel in locating individuals who have wandered away from home due to Alzheimer’s, autism, Down syndrome, dementia and other related cognitive disorders. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office has offered the Project Lifesaver program to county residents since 2005. Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around their wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies the sheriff’s office and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area to begin searching using a mobile locator tracking system. Most who wander are found within a few miles of their homes and search times for these individuals have been reduced from hours and days to minutes. The average recovery time to locate a Project Lifesaver client is 30 minutes—that’s 95% less time than standard recovery operations. The Sussex County Division of Senior Services is a county department mandated by the federal government as part of the Older Americans Act. It serves as a connection for the elderly to services and programs designed to support seniors’ independence and quality of life. The mission of the division is to enable older individuals and/or their caregivers to choose from a coordinated system of services that allows seniors to live as independently as possible in their homes and in their communities while enjoying a dignified quality of life. Sheriff Strada, expressing his gratitude for the donation, thanked Lorraine Hentz for her agency’s continued commitment to improving the quality of life for our county’s seniors. (L to R) Sgt. Krista Galante, Project Lifesaver Coordinator, Lorraine Hentz, Director of the Sussex County Division of Senior Services, and Sheriff Michael F. Strada display the equipment purchased with the donated funds.

Arrested: Brian Rush, age 36, of Montague Township, NJ. < Back Warrant arrest occurs at Montague residence Arrested: Brian Rush, age 36, of Montague Township, NJ. Previous Next On June 24, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty and Sgt. John Gray were assigned to community policing within the Montague Township area. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty was aware of a Sussex County Superior Court warrant for the arrest of Brian Rush for contempt and was attempting to locate him. Upon receiving information indicating Rush was staying at his parent’s residence, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty and Sgt. Gray visited the home. After a brief investigation, Rush was located and taken into custody without incident. Rush was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Police seek information about diner vandalism. < Back Crime Stoppers offers $6,000 reward Police seek information about diner vandalism. Previous Next Thanks to the help of an anonymous donor, Crime Stoppers is offering a $6,000.00 reward for information resulting in the conviction of the individual(s) responsible for defacing the Airport Diner in Wantage with swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti on September 16, 2017. Submit an anonymous tip »