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Arrested: Owen R. Cox, age 24, of Andover Boro, NJ. < Back Whoops...burglary suspect leaves driver's license behind Arrested: Owen R. Cox, age 24, of Andover Boro, NJ. Previous Next The sheriff’s office assisted the Andover Township Police Department with the arrest of Owen R. Cox who was initially arrested by police during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 1, 2011 and charged with burglary and assault. Cox had originally fled the scene of that crime before being apprehended at another location within Andover Township. On October 6, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor and K-9 Eggo assisted Andover Township police who had requested a K-9 team to conduct an area search for evidence that may have been discarded by Cox while fleeing from police. The officer and his K-9 searched a swampy wooded area that Cox was believed to have travelled through after fleeing the scene and discovered a pair of discarded sweat pants. Inside the pants pocket, sheriff’s officers located a New Jersey driver’s license issued to Cox. Cox has been charged with burglary, simple assault and second degree robbery with bodily injury. He is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 bail with no 10% option.

< Back Thank You First Responders Previous Next On behalf of the Sussex County Sheriff's Office and Office of Emergency Management, I would like to thank all of the First Responders who responded and assisted at the plane crash in Hampton Township. Starting with the New Jersey State Police, who with the assistance of their aviation unit, located the plane wreckage in a remote wooded area in Hampton Township. What followed was a large response from multiple agencies. These agencies included but were not limited to the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management, Sussex County Sheriff Office of Emergency Management, Sussex County Fire Marshal Office, Sussex County Haz-Mat team, Hampton Township Fire Department, Stillwater Township Fire Department , Fredon Township Fire Department, Lafayette Fire Department, Ogdensburg Fire Department, Highland Lakes Fire Department, Frankford Fire Department and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. I would also like to recognize and thank the Sussex County Communications Center for ensuring that all the resources that we needed were dispatched to the accident site. Since the wreckage and the victims were located in a remote densely wooded area it made the recovery extremely difficult and challenging. Working in collaboration, the agencies were able to recover the victims and assist the NTSB with the recovery and removal of the aircraft from the woods. The First Responders, almost all of who are volunteers, spent close to 2 days assisting at the accident site. Although we all wish the outcome was better, these volunteers worked tirelessly to recover the victims and the aircraft. As the County Emergency Management Coordinator, it is comforting to know that the volunteers in Sussex County are ready and willing to respond to any emergency that we may face. I thank all of you for your assistance at the crash site and your continued hard work and dedication to your communities. Sincerely, Sheriff Michael Strada Sussex County Emergency Management Coordinator

Lieutenant Boden serves the Bureau of Corrections. < Back Sergeant Andrew Boden promoted to the rank of lieutenant Lieutenant Boden serves the Bureau of Corrections. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Sergeant Andrew Boden to the rank of lieutenant. For the past 19 years, Lieutenant Boden has been heavily relied upon and has served as an integral part of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Bureau. His knowledge, experience, abilities and interpersonal skills make Lieutenant Boden a great law enforcement officer and a leader. Lieutenant Boden serves the Corrections Bureau on the Special Operations Group, Honor Guard Unit, and HAZMAT teams and has always gone above and beyond his normal scope of duties. Sheriff Strada stated, “Many officers look up to Lieutenant Boden because of his strong leadership skills and his ability to handle personal and professional issues. He always carries his duties out in a respectful, fair, and professional manner.” Sheriff Strada congratulates Lieutenant Boden and wishes him the best of luck in his new capacity.

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 »

< Back SCSO K9 TEAM GRADUATES NJSP ACADEMY Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the graduation of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 Team from the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy 38th Narcotics Scent Class. Sheriff’s Detective Michael Scott and K-9 “Ace” recently successfully completed an intensive 14-week training course in narcotics detection. Detective Scott is a 7 year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Ace is a 1 year old German Shepherd Dog. During their training, over approximately 450 hours, the K-9 team executed over 300 narcotics searches in various conditions and at numerous locations. Detective Scott and K-9 Ace are scheduled to begin the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy Patrol Class for tracking in September. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit currently consists of three K-9 teams. Two narcotics detection teams and one tracking/trailing team. Sheriff Strada congratulates Detective Scott and Ace and wishes them great success in their careers. Said Sheriff Strada, “We are pleased to present the services of this great team and our other K-9 teams to the law enforcement agencies and citizens of Sussex County. I know they will prove to be a tremendous asset.”

Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. < Back Sparta Woman’s Club hosts Sheriff Strada Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon held recently at the Lake Mohawk Country Club in Sparta. Sheriff Strada was invited to share a presentation on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office with the audience of fifty members. During the presentation, he spoke about the history of the sheriff’s office, the Bureau of Law Enforcement/Corrections Unit, the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP)/Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP), Emergency Management/Fire Marshal responsibilities along with the many community programs that are in place such as Crime Stoppers, Project Lifesaver, Outbound 9-1-1, Register Ready, D.A.R.E., TRIAD and CERT programs. The presentation, designed to educate the public about the many services that the sheriff’s office provides to the citizens of Sussex County, was followed by a question and answer session. Sheriff Strada would like to encourage any organization which is interested in learning more about the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to contact it at 973.579.0850. Pictured from left to right: Marjorie Strohsahl, Corresponding Secretary/FWCNJ Past President, Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Stevie Fava, Co-President.

Arrested: Russell Decker, age 29, of Sussex Borough, NJ. < Back Fugitive jumps out window to evade arrest, captured anyway Arrested: Russell Decker, age 29, of Sussex Borough, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, December 5, 2012, sheriff’s detectives Matt Caine and William Lunger located Russell Decker at his residence in Sussex Borough. Upon hearing detectives Caine and Lunger identify themselves, and correctly surmising there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Decker jumped out of a second floor window and ran away from the residence to escape capture. Detectives Caine and Lunger, along with multiple other sheriff’s officers, several New Jersey State Police troopers, and a sheriff’s K-9 unit were deployed to the area but were unable to locate Decker. An additional warrant was subsequently issued for Russell Decker charging him with resisting arrest by flight and obstruction of the administration of law. Five days later, on Monday, December 10, 2012, detectives Caine and Lunger again located Russell Decker at his residence in Sussex Borough. Decker again attempted to evade capture, this time by hiding underneath his bed. Decker was located under the bed and taken into custody. Further investigation revealed a small quantity of marijuana on his person. Decker was issued summonses for resisting arrest and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and given a future court date to appear in Wantage Municipal Court. Decker was transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains lodged in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10% option.

Officers took part in the 2012 Police Unity Tour and raised funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. < Back Corrections officers ride to Washington Officers took part in the 2012 Police Unity Tour and raised funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Previous Next Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey,” recounts an ancient Greek soldier’s decade-long voyage home after the Trojan War. The word odyssey, itself, has since become synonymous with a long and arduous journey. In mid-May, members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections hopped on their bicycles, joining approximately 600 others, and began an odyssey of their own—pedaling from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. as part of the Police Unity Tour. Their 300-mile ride took four days and ended with a candlelight vigil at the memorial which is etched with the names of 18,983 officers killed in the line of duty. The Police Unity Tour was organized by Florham Park Police Officer Pat Montuore in May, 1997 to raise public awareness of police officers who have died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices. A total of 18 police officers from throughout New Jersey rode that first year and raised approximately $18,000. In comparison, this year, over 1,600 members from throughout the United States made the trip, raising $1.65 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Inspired by the tour’s motto, “We ride for those who died,” many riders traveled from countries such as Australia, Israel, Great Britain, Italy, India and Canada to join the tour. Montuore, who is now chief of the Florham Park Police Department, still accompanies the tour each year. Tour participants from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections raised approximately $7,500 and included the following people: Undersheriff Homer Wanamaker, who was accompanied by his daughter, Blaire, a detective with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Sergeant John Bannon, who was accompanied by his brother, Jim, a retired United States Coast Guard member Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Officer Jason Kimble Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Corporal Anthony Masucci Since 1997, the Police Unity Tour has raised almost $12 million dollars for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Riders who took part in the Police Unity Tour, from left to right: Homer Wanamaker, John Bannon, Blaire Wanamaker, Anthony Masucci, Jason Kimble and Jim Bannon.

Wantage and Sussex Borough enter into an agreement with the Sussex County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Communications Services. < Back Two more towns sign on for dispatching services Wantage and Sussex Borough enter into an agreement with the Sussex County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Communications Services. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada is pleased to announce that Wantage Township and Sussex Borough have entered into a five-year shared service agreement for dispatching services at the Sussex County Sheriff’s 9-1-1 Communications Center. After several months of technical and logistical planning and preparation, both municipalities seamlessly transitioned to the county center. Wantage and Sussex join the eleven other municipalities currently utilizing the call taking and dispatching services of the largest 9-1-1 communications center in the county. Representatives from the state Office of Emergency Telecommunications, several telecommunications providers and municipal and county officials were present during the cutover to insure a successful implementation. The county 9-1-1 center service area encompasses 65% of the county’s geographical area. The communications center will be responsible for handling all 9-1-1 calls for their municipalities. Sheriff Strada stated, “I am glad to see other municipalities join our communications center as we offer the latest technology and dispatching services. The emergency service organizations that are currently utilizing our center realize the benefits of a central communications center.” Pictured left to right: Chief Telecommunicator Dave Korver, Director of Communications Mark Rozek, Borough of Sussex OEM Coordinator Floyd Southard, Township of Wantage Mayor Ron Bassani, Township of Wantage Administrator Michael Restel, Township of Wantage OEM/911 Coordinator Joe Konopinski, New Jersey Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services Doug Weidanz and Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada

Arrested: Raymond Babcock, age 41, of Lafayette, NJ. < Back Sheriff's detectives apprehend fugitive in Lafayette Arrested: Raymond Babcock, age 41, of Lafayette, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, January 11, 2013, sheriff’s detectives Matt Caine and William Lunger were in Lafayette Township attempting to locate Raymond Babcock who was the subject of four separate arrest warrants issued by the Sussex County Superior Court. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office had received multiple tips from anonymous sources directly to the office as well as through the Sussex County Crime Stoppers tip line regarding Babcock’s whereabouts. Acting on that information, detectives Caine and Lunger arrived at the residence of a friend of Babcock’s and asked for permission to search the premises. The homeowner consented to allow Detective Lunger to search the residence. While searching a closet in the upstairs bathroom of the house, Detective Lunger discovered Babcock hiding in a crawl space in the rear of the closet. Detective Lunger immediately placed Babcock under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Further investigation revealed the existence of an additional arrest warrant for Babcock issued by the Newton Municipal Court. Babcock was additionally charged with resisting arrest by flight. He was issued a summons to appear in Frankford Municipal Court at a future date. Raymond Babcock is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

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.

Foreclosure Listings Announcement Effective June 3, 2026 Sussex County foreclosure sales will be held on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in the Historic Sussex County Courthouse, 3 High Street, Newton NJ. PLEASE NOTE In compliance with the August 28, 2025 order in MER-C-94-24, the right of refusal for the Community Wealth Preservation Program will be extended only to defendants, next-of-kin, or tenants. While every effort is made to ensure that these listings are accurate and timely, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office does not warrant or guarantee the reliability of same. To confirm a sale date, please contact the Foreclosure Unit at 973.579.0850. You must have the defendant’s name for inquiries. SALES CAN AND DO CHANGE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE. Foreclosure Archives Download File Filter List By: Filter List Click on the Case Number below to view a copy of the published advertisement ** Approx Judgement Excludes Judgement Interest & Sheriff's Fees Case Number / Advertisement Docket Number Scheduled Sale Date Plaintiff Defendant Plaintiff Attorney Plaintiff Attorney Telephone Approx Judgement ** Address City Complete Status Buyer Price Upset 26000364 F-000057-26 12/02/2026 HSBC Bank USA, National Association Rickey Conklin & Marjorie Conklin Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 $217,902.66 32 Northwestern Trail Hopatcong Open $242,000.00 26000362 F-002978-26 12/02/2026 Planet Home Lending, LLC Caitlin A. flood & Ross I Flood Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 $251,420.36 8 Sussex Road Sussex Open $276,000.00 26000359 F-012071-25 12/02/2026 Citizens Bank, N.A. Matthew Murphy McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC (856) 858-7080 $282,500.86 10 Atno Avenue Hopatcong Open $316,000.00 26000350 F-002689-26 12/02/2026 M & T Bank Valerie Palumbo KML Law Group, PC (215) 627-1322 $188,133.96 27 Walnut street Sussex Open $205,822.38 26000210 F-009584-25 12/02/2026 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB Mark W. Griggs Romano Garubo & Argentieri (856) 384-1515 $178,080.71 9 Richards Street Ogdensburg Open $194,000.00 26000189 F-005367-25 12/02/2026 NEWREZ, LLC Michelle Elisabeth Jespersen, et al. Pincus Law Group, PLLC (516) 699-8902 $231,242.98 8 Wilson Avenue Vernon Open $263,263.06 26000107 F-009689-25 12/02/2026 JRCG LLC 521 Maple CR LLC, ET AL. Patrick O. Lacsina Law Offices (973) 485-3584 $309,042.17 5-21 Maple Crescent Vernon Open $343,000.00 26000049 F-000932-25 12/02/2026 Freedom Mortgage Corp. Jennifer Bucci Smith Gross Polowy, LLC (716) 204-1700 $555,980.05 1782 Route 565 Sussex Open $592,423.94 26000010 F-000789-25 12/02/2026 U.S. Bank Trust National Association Michael L. Perry, ET AL. Friedman Vartolo, LLP (212) 471-5100 $465,067.49 6 King Alex Court Sparta Open $542,721.60 23000016 F-008720-22 12/02/2026 Pennymac Loan Services, LLC Kevin E. Garrett Powers Kirn, LLC (856) 802-1000 $344,784.29 40 Zinnia Drive Vernon Open $381,586.44