Arrested: James Sanford, age 38, of Stanhope, NJ and Torey Posey, age 34, of Newton, NJ. < Back Two warrant arrests in the probation department Arrested: James Sanford, age 38, of Stanhope, NJ and Torey Posey, age 34, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered James Sanford. Knowing Sanford to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court arrest warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill placed him under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Sanford was subsequently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. Later that day, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill encountered Torey Posey. Knowing Posey to be the subject of an active arrest warrant out of Sparta Municipal Court, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill immediately placed Posey under arrest. He was transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and then lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Three recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. < Back Bureau of Law Enforcement welcomes three new officers Three recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of three sheriff’s officers from the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy’s 90th Basic Police Class. Steven Sugar is a 2006 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a 10-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard and a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Locally, Officer Sugar has served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) for many years. He currently serves as fire captain of the Stillwater Area Volunteer Fire Company. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Sugar will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Steven Kniedl is a 2006 graduate of the Sussex County Technical School and a United States Marine Corps veteran. Officer Kneidl also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University. While attending the police academy, Officer Kneidl was awarded the 200 Club of Morris County Leadership Award as well as the New Jersey Police Training Commission Merit Award. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Kneidl will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Joseph Decker is a 2009 graduate of Newton High School, a United States Marine Corps veteran and a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Officer Decker is currently attending Sussex County Community College where he is pursuing an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Following a period of supervised field training, Officer Decker will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Recently, at a small ceremony held at the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Strada greeted the new officers and administered the oath of office to each of them. Sheriff Strada joins the rest of the Bureau of Law Enforcement in welcoming these three new officers to the sheriff’s office and wishing them success in their careers. Sheriff Michael F. Strada welcomes three new officers.

Arrested: Casey Barnett, age 20, of Newton, NJ. < Back Sheriff’s officers arrest woman in Newton Arrested: Casey Barnett, age 20, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, May 23, 2012, sheriff’s officers Darrin McDowell and Matt Maines were attempting to locate and arrest Ms. Casey Barnett, who was the subject of an outstanding Sussex County Superior Court warrant for violation of probation. Sheriff’s officers McDowell and Maines located Barnett within the Town of Newton and arrested her immediately. Casey Barnett is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

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: Daniel J. Marks, age 26, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Sheriff's detectives, looking for fugitive, find drugs instead Arrested: Daniel J. Marks, age 26, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, July 16, 2014, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties within the Township of Wantage, sheriff’s detectives Matthew Caine and William Ficacci arrived at the suspected residence of a fugitive. Detectives Caine and Ficacci spoke with the owner of that residence who advised them she did not know where the fugitive was located but invited them inside the residence to ask her son. Upon entering the residence to speak with the son, Detective Caine observed several quantities of marijuana as well as packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed the marijuana to belong to Daniel Marks. Marks was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance/marijuana in an amount more than 1 ounce but less than 5 pounds as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. He was issued summonses to appear in court at a future date and released on his own recognizance.

Arrested: Alexander M. Urena, age 33, of Andover Boro, NJ. < Back Arrest at Newton MVC for outstanding municipal warrants Arrested: Alexander M. Urena, age 33, of Andover Boro, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, March 8, 2011, while assigned to the Newton Motor Vehicle Commission, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty encountered Alexander Urena. Further investigation by Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty revealed two outstanding municipal court warrants previously issued for Urena. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty immediately took Urena into custody. Urena was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility on $1,100 bail.

Arrested: Patrick Storey, age 19, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Teenager arrested for DWI in Wantage Township Arrested: Patrick Storey, age 19, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, September 1, 2012, while assigned to traffic enforcement within Wantage Township, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling observed a motor vehicle being operated by Patrick Storey failing to maintain his lane of traffic. Officer Schilling stopped the vehicle and, after observing Storey attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined him to be intoxicated. Storey was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. He was issued summonses for the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and impeding traffic. Storey was released pending a future date to appear in Wantage Township Municipal Court.

Corporal Daniel Storey received the recognition from the Knights of Columbus. < Back Local organization names sheriff’s corporal “Officer of the Year” Corporal Daniel Storey received the recognition from the Knights of Columbus. Previous Next Sheriff’s Corporal Daniel Storey has been named 2013 Officer of the Year by the Knights of Columbus, Marquette Council #588 , and was presented with the council’s “shield” award at a May 10, 2013 awards ceremony. Corporal Storey began his law enforcement career as a Class II special police officer in Vernon Township in 1986. He remained in Vernon until 1990, whereupon he accepted a position as a sheriff’s correction’s officer. In 1991, Corporal Storey joined the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement as a sheriff’s investigator, a position in which he continues to serve. A 23-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Corporal Storey has been involved in the child safety seat program, Project Lifesaver and the school walk-through program. He has been a certified D.A.R.E. instructor for over 20 years and has taught over 6,000 Sussex County students throughout his career. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Corporal Storey is very active in the Sussex County community. He serves on the board of the community of his residence where he is involved in several scholarship committees. He is the current chairperson of the Vernon Township Republican Committee and the District 19 committeeman for the Sussex County Republican Committee. He is an active member of the Wanderer’s Car Club. Sheriff Strada congratulates Corporal Storey on his honor and wishes him continued success in his career. Said the Sheriff, “Although every member of the sheriff’s office performs his or her duties in a professional manner, Corporal Storey is an example of the good work that one individual officer can do. I’m happy to see him recognized for his outstanding accomplishments. He is a credit to this agency and Sussex County in general.”

Arrested: George Meyer, age 59, of Franklin, NJ. < Back Sheriff&'s officers arrest Franklin man at home Arrested: George Meyer, age 59, of Franklin, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, November 29, 2012, sheriff’s officers John Swords and Chris Megna were assigned to warrant apprehension duties. At approximately 9:45 p.m., officers Swords and Megna located George Meyer at his residence. He was the subject of multiple outstanding arrest warrants from local municipalities. Meyer was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he is currently lodged in lieu of $639.00 bail.

Arrested: Tonja Stupke, age 47, of Saylorsburg, PA. < Back PA woman arrested for DWI in Frankford Township Arrested: Tonja Stupke, age 47, of Saylorsburg, PA. Previous Next On Monday, March 12, 2012, while assigned to community policing in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray observed a motor vehicle being operated by Tonja Stupke traveling in excess of the posted speed limit. Sergeant Gray stopped the vehicle and, after observing Stupke attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined her to be intoxicated. Stupke was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Additionally, she was issued summonses for reckless driving and speeding. She was given a date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court and released.

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: Joseph F. Zalewski, age 19, and Mackenzie S. Healy, age 19, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Disabled motor vehicle leads to drug arrest Arrested: Joseph F. Zalewski, age 19, and Mackenzie S. Healy, age 19, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 15, 2012, while on county-wide mobile patrol, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords encountered a disabled motor vehicle on the side of a road in Hampton Township. Sheriff’s Officer Swords pulled over to assist the occupants of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the presence of a quantity of marijuana and a smoking pipe. Both Zalewski and Healy were arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where they were processed and released pending a future court date in Green/Fredon/Hampton/Andover Borough Joint Municipal Court. Joseph Zalewski was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. Mackenzie Healy was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.