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OPRA New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) provides procedures for the public (the “requestor”) to review or copy government records. The following is a summary of these procedures and guidelines for requesting records. OPRA applies to requests for records, not requests for isolated facts therefore, a requestor must determine which records he or she wishes to see or copy. The requestor must then file a records request with the Custodian of Records. This is accomplished by completing a form available at the sheriff’s office. For your convenience, we have also made the form available below. Fees (payable by cash, check or money order): Letter size pages: $0.05 per page Legal size pages: $0.07 per page Other materials (CD, DVD, etc.): actual cost You may be required to provide a deposit against costs for reproducing documents when a request for copies exceeds $25.00. The custodian will contact you and advise you of any deposit requirements. Some government records are not available for public inspection or copying. A list of the two dozen specific types of records that are exempt from disclosure may be viewed at the state’s OPRA web site . Under OPRA, a custodian must deny access to a person who has been convicted of an indictable offense in the United States, and who is seeking government records containing personal information pertaining to the person’s victim or the victim’s family. You may be denied access to a government record if your request would substantially disrupt operations and the custodian is unable to reach a reasonable solution with you. If the sheriff’s office is unable to comply with your request for access to a government record, the custodian will indicate the reasons for denial on the request form or other written correspondence and send you a signed and dated copy. Download the Open Public Records Act Request form To view and complete the form, you will need the freely available Adobe Reader software installed on your computer, version 7 or higher. This fillable form may be filled out on your computer and saved to your hard drive and/or printed out. The completed form must be returned to: Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti, Custodian of Records Sussex County Sheriff’s Office 39 High Street Newton, NJ 07860 FAX: 973.579.7884 E-Mail: OPRA@sussexcountysheriff.com

Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the care, custody and control of all inmates who have been committed to incarceration on Sussex County matters. The Bureau of Corrections has maintained compliance with the standards prescribed by the state for adult county correctional facilities. In the fall of 2019, Sussex County and Morris County entered into a shared service agreement allowing for all Sussex County inmates to be housed at the Morris County Correctional Facility. The Sussex County Bureau of Corrections personnel supervise inmates during transports for admission at the Morris County Correctional Facility, court hearings and medical appointments. The Bureau of Corrections also oversees the SLAP Program, available to certain persons sentenced to a term of imprisonment in which the beneficiaries are local nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) provides a safe alternative to incarceration for individuals sentenced for non-violent offenses. In lieu of serving time in jail, SLAP program participants perform a wide range of community service throughout Sussex County under the supervision of sheriff’s officers on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada presented several members of his staff with awards for exceptional service at an awards ceremony held on October 30, 2025. In July, 2025, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office held its inaugural Junior Sheriff’s Academy. The success of this comprehensive program that provided Sussex County youths with valuable instruction in law enforcement, civic responsibility, leadership and personal growth could not have been accomplished without the following officers: Sergeant Joseph Cahill – Exception Duty Medal Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell – Exceptional Duty Medal Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell, Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell Corporal Robert Schilling – Honorable Service Award Corporal Jennifer Vanderwende – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Decker – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer – Honorable Service Award Sheriff Strada, Corporal Jennifer Vanderwende, Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Decker Investigator William Cisko – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Steven Sugar – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller, Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd, Sheriff’s Officer Steven Sugar, Investigator William Cisko Detective Michael Scott – Letter of Commendation Detective Nicholas Galvao – Letter of Commendation Detective Justin McCann – Letter of Commendation Corporal James Aumick – Letter of Commendation Corporal Jamie Caravaggio – Letter of Commendation Public Safety Telecommunicator Andrea Wehrenberg – Letter of Commendation Sheriff Strada, Detective Justin McCann, Detective Michael Scott, Corporal James Aumick, Corporal Jamie Caravaggio Sheriff Strada stated: “Their work not only strengthened community trust but also brought public acclaim to this Office and the law enforcement profession”. Recently, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office recognized the need to modernize its duty weapon. Extensive research was conducted, and this resulted in the Sheriff’s Office obtaining a new duty weapon. This new handgun featured advanced features such as a red dot sighting system and weapon mounted flashlight. The following officers were recognized for their work in researching, developing and training with this new handgun. Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti – Honorable Service Award Sergeant John Freykar – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Ken Farber – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Centrelli – Honorable Service Award Investigator William Cisko – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Centrelli, Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti, Investigator William Cisko, Sheriff’s Officer Ken Farber Sheriff Strada acknowledged how proud he was of all of the work the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office perform on a daily basis. He also expressed how supportive our county residents are towards the law enforcement community in Sussex County.

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.”

This brings the total reward to $6,000. < Back Additional award announced by Sheriff Strada for safe return of missing Seeing Eye dog This brings the total reward to $6,000. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada and the commissioners of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers organization would like to announce the contribution of an additional $1,000 for information leading to the safe return of The Seeing Eye of Morristown’s missing 14-month old puppy-in-training, Ondrea. The Seeing Eye of Morristown previously announced a $5,000 reward for the safe return of Ondrea. Sheriff Strada states, “While this may not currently be considered a “crime,” we feel that if someone has taken her, this additional reward may aid in her safe return.” The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office has a great relationship with The Seeing Eye of Morristown as two of the office’s working K9s were donated to our office. This brings the total reward to $6,000. Sheriff Strada is urging residents to be vigilant in the search for the missing dog but encourages anyone with information to contact The Seeing Eye at 973.525.1084. Tips may be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973.300.CRIME or online anonymous tip form .

Strada recently attended a dynamic, intensive and challenging five-day program in Virginia. < Back Sheriff Strada attends FBI leadership training Strada recently attended a dynamic, intensive and challenging five-day program in Virginia. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently completed a five-day intensive training program hosted by the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA). Sheriff Strada was one of thirty participants from throughout the United States who attended the week-long training program in Richmond, Virginia that focused on Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives. The Command Institute focuses on and provides real life contemporary and futuristic strategies and techniques for those in command level positions. Participants engaged in such topics as leading a new command, leading change, organizational culture, surviving and succeeding as a police executive, audits and controls and liability. The training had a high degree of student participation. Sheriff Strada said “Whenever you are able to obtain this level of training it is a benefit to our organization. I was able to learn and network with some of the best instructors in our country.”

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.

Arrested: Giuseppe Tedesco, age 27, of Hopatcong, NJ. < Back Convicted murderer faces new charges Arrested: Giuseppe Tedesco, age 27, of Hopatcong, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, January 11, 2013, a Sussex County Superior Court jury convicted Giuseppe Tedesco of murder, and while the jury was being polled by the Honorable Judge N. Peter Conforti, Tedesco was looking at jurors individually, mouthing obscenities. He then turned and made a verbal threat to a member of the victim’s family. Uniformed sheriff’s officers Lt. Ellicott, Cpl. Yanko, Officer Ficacci and Corrections Officer Kimble attempted to gain control and remove Tedesco to a holding cell. Tedesco would not comply with verbal orders and was violently resisting attempts to restrain him. He continued to thrash about and had to be taken to the floor. During the fracas, Officer Kimble sustained a head injury and a fractured right fibula. As a result of this incident, Tedesco was charged with obstruction of a governmental function, aggravated assault on a corrections officer and terroristic threats. Tedesco remains in custody at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility.

Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. < Back Sheriff honors officers at awards ceremony Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently honored several sheriff’s officers for exceptional and meritorious service in a ceremony held at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Lawrence Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Matthew Maines were presented with the Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award for their efforts in assisting to resuscitate an individual in cardiac arrest in Frankford Township on August 10, 2011. While assigned to monitor parking areas during last year’s New Jersey State Fair, Lt. Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines encountered a man laying face down and unresponsive. They requested advanced medical assistance and began an assessment of the patient’s condition. Beller and Maines checked the man’s pulse, rolled him over, and cleared his airway. When paramedics arrived, Beller and Maines briefed them on the patient’s known condition and assisted as an Automated External Defibrillator was used to “shock” the patient. The man was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical center where he successfully recovered from his injuries. But for the initiative and alert actions of Lieutenant Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines, the man may very well have not survived. Lieutenant Beller has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. He is currently assigned to supervise the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer Maines has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2009. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar was presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award for his actions in preventing an inmate from committing suicide on January 27, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Freykar has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2005. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Captain George Kately, III and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel were presented with the Sheriff’s Exceptional Duty Award. The Exceptional Duty Award is awarded to those sheriff’s personnel who, as a result of training, devotion to duty, or service to the public, bring acclaim to themselves, the office, or the police profession. Both Captain Kately and Sheriff’s Officer Vogel, each serving as deputy emergency management coordinator alternately, coordinated all Office of Emergency Management resources during Hurricane Irene in August, 2011. Captain Kately has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1988. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sheriff’s Officer Vogel has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1998. Additionally, Sheriff’s Officer Vogel was presented with the Sheriff’s Educational Achievement Award for obtaining a baccalaureate degree in human services from Thomas A. Edison State College. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sergeant John Gray was presented with the Honorable Service Award for his actions during a domestic violence assault that occurred in Sandyston Township on February 14, 2011. Sergeant Gray has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1991 and is currently assigned to supervise the Traffic and Community Policing units. Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor was presented with the Good Conduct Medal and a Department Appreciation Award from the Stevens Institute of Technology Police Department for his assistance to them during an arson investigation in April 2008. That investigation ultimately led to the apprehension and prosecution of an individual who had purposely set a series of fires in a dormitory building on campus. Sheriff’s Officer Slahor has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2001. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sergeant Clayton Arnott was presented with the Sheriff’s Achievement Award in recognition of his tireless dedication and assistance to the Sheriff’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program. Sergeant Arnott began his law enforcement career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. He is currently serving as the sheriff’s office administration sergeant and accreditation manager. Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger was presented with a letter of commendation for his actions during a fatal motor vehicle accident in Hardyston on May 13, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Lunger has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2010. He is currently assigned to the detective bureau. Sheriff Strada congratulated each of the above named recipients and thanked them for their continued service. Award recipients and attendees standing from L-R are Undersheriff Keith Armstrong, Sergeant Clayton Arnott, Captain George Kately, Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines, Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger and Sheriff Michael F. Strada. Seated from L-R are Lieutenant Lawrence Beller, Sergeant John Gray, and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel.

The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crimestoppers Organization held its annual Spring Fundraiser Dinner on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the beautiful Farmstead Golf & Country Club. < Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crimestoppers Organization held its annual Spring Fundraiser Dinner The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crimestoppers Organization held its annual Spring Fundraiser Dinner on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the beautiful Farmstead Golf & Country Club. Previous Next May 7, 2026 Press Release Contact: Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crimestoppers Organization held its annual Spring Fundraiser Dinner on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the beautiful Farmstead Golf & Country Club. Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada served as the emcee for the evening and addressed attendees regarding the continued success of the Crimestoppers program. Sheriff Strada discussed the numerous tips received throughout 2025 and how those tips have directly assisted law enforcement agencies in solving crimes and protecting the residents of Sussex County. He also thanked the many sponsors, supporters, attendees, and the dedicated Crimestoppers Commissioners for their continued hard work and commitment. Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Hilary Manser addressed the attendees regarding the recent “Dog Abandonment” investigation involving approximately 50 dogs that were abandoned in four separate locations throughout Sussex County. She emphasized the critical role that the Crimestoppers program played in the investigation. She explained how one anonymous tip can truly make a difference. Sheriff Strada also presented awards recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Crimestoppers organization. Awards were presented to Sabine Watson, Dawn Flanders, Craig Thompson, and Jeffrey Parrott for their dedication, leadership, and continued support of our Crimestoppers Organization. “The success of Crimestoppers is directly tied to the support of our community,” Sheriff Strada stated. “Every anonymous tip has the potential to save lives, solve crimes, and make Sussex County a safer place for everyone. We are extremely grateful for the continued support from our residents, businesses, and community partners.” The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crimestoppers Organization will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. All tips remain completely anonymous, and tipsters are never asked to provide their name. Anyone wishing to provide information may call 973-300-CRIME (2746) or visit www.sussexcountysheriff.com to submit an anonymous tip online. Photo Credit Jennifer Dericks - TAPinto

$5,000.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to support cancer prevention, research and education. < Back SCSO raises $5,000 during No-Shave November $5,000.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to support cancer prevention, research and education. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office concluded “No-Shave November” by raising $5,000 for cancer awareness. Over 65 officers and administration participated by forgoing shaving and collecting donations for this worthy charity. The non-profit group, No-Shave November’s mission is devoted to “growing” cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education. Sheriff Michael Strada, who participated as well, said “I am proud of the efforts made by our officers as we had far more participants this year than in the past. I would like to thank those who donated and we look forward to participating and raising more funds next year.”

Community Programs Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers is a program designed to encourage cooperation between citizens and the law enforcement community . Wanted List See the complete list of Sussex County's Wanted Pr oject Lifesaver The Project Lifesaver program provides assistance to residents who are primary caregivers for an individual with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia disorder as well as families of children afflicted with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments. Community Alerts Sussex County residents are encouraged to register their phone numbers with the Swift911 program. Another program, Register Ready, should be utilized by people who have disabilities which might interfere with their ability to safely evacuate in the case of an emergency. Community Programs The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s goals in offering our community programs are to reduce the criminal victimization of all of our residents, especially senior citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services. These programs provide the opportunity for an exchange of information between law enforcement and the community. L.E.A.D. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office L.E.A.D. program offers substance abuse education to the youth of Sussex County in conjunction with area school districts. CERT The Community Emergency Response Team is made up of volunteers who give critical support to first responders in emergencies and provide immediate assistance to victims.