Recipients were Sergeant John Gray of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police Trooper Victor Cabrera-Bonilla. < Back Sheriff presents life saving award to sheriff’s officer and state trooper Recipients were Sergeant John Gray of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police Trooper Victor Cabrera-Bonilla. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada presented a life saving award to Sergeant John Gray of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police Trooper Victor Cabrera-Bonilla in recognition of their response to a medical call in Sussex County. Both officers quickly responded to the call and performed “two-man CPR” while also utilizing an automated external defibrillator AED unit as the victim was in full cardiac arrest. Both Trooper Cabrera-Bonilla and Sergeant Gray continued to work together, established a heartbeat and the victim began to breathe. The victim was transported by the local first aid squad for additional medical attention and the victim survived the incident. Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada said, “The lifesaving actions of Sergeant Gray and Trooper Cabrera-Bonilla reflect the highest standards of service to the community and their performance is an example of true professionalism.” Present at the ceremony were officers of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office along with New Jersey State Police Station Commander Lieutenant Matt Avenatti of the Troop B Sussex Barracks. Lieutenant Avenatti praised the members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office by noting that because of the seamless relationship between the two law enforcement agencies, especially as they perform training sessions together, this enabled the two officers to work effectively. Lieutenant Avenatti further stated, “Agencies that train together, respond better together for the citizens of Sussex County.” Pictured left to right: Lieutenant Matt Avenatti, Trooper Cabrera-Bonilla, Sergeant Gray and Sheriff Strada.

Attorney ID Cards The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office has an attorney identification card program designed to readily identify practicing attorneys within the Sussex County Judicial Center. The ID card, available to attorneys with offices in Sussex County, costs $50.00 and the card is renewable every five years. To obtain an ID card in Sussex County, please visit the Bureau of Law Enforcement located within the sheriff’s office at 39 High Street in Newton. You will be asked to complete our Attorney ID Card Information form (including providing your New Jersey Bar number). For your convenience, we have also made the form available online so it may be completed in advance. Download the Attorney ID Card 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. Payment of the $50.00 fee may be made by check payable to the “Sussex County Sheriff’s Office.” Have questions? For more information, please call 973.579.0850.

Arrested: Christopher J. Carey, age 60, of Andover, NJ. < Back Sheriff's officers arrest Andover man for DWI Arrested: Christopher J. Carey, age 60, of Andover, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, October 16, 2014, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties, sheriff’s officers Johnny Swords and Joseph Cahill observed a red colored Dodge Ram pickup truck failing to maintain its lane and driving in excess of the posted speed limit while traveling along state highway 206 in Andover Borough. Officers Swords and Cahill pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver, Christopher Carey. Upon speaking with Carey, Officer Swords detected the odor of alcohol coming from him and, after observing Carey attempt to perform several roadside sobriety tests, Officer Swords determined him to be intoxicated. Carey was subsequently arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for breath sample analysis and processing. Upon arrival at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Carey repeatedly refused to submit to breath testing. Christopher J. Carey was charged with the following offenses: speeding, failure to maintain lane, failure to wear seat belt, reckless driving, refusal to submit to breath testing and driving while intoxicated. He was issued summonses for the above offenses, given a future court date to appear in the Joint Municipal Court of Green, Fredon, Hampton and Andover Borough, and subsequently released. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run < Back SCSO Participates in Special Olympics Torch Run This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run Previous Next Early this morning, members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, as well as members of the greater Sussex County Law Enforcement community, joined the more than 3,000 officers that are taking to the streets of their local communities as “Guardians of the Flame” on one of 26 separate routes to help carry the "Flame of Hope” a distance of nearly 750 miles throughout the Garden State to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey. Although our members participate each year, this year is particularly special as it marks the 40th Anniversary of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run. In 1982, the late Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was asked to take photos at a local Special Olympics competition in New Jersey. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer at the Summer Games. In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived to raise funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics New Jersey program. The course ran from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick, through eight towns, covering 43 miles and raising $7,000. In each succeeding year, the dollar amount became greater and the number of volunteers increased substantially. Driven by the willingness of the New Jersey Law Enforcement officers to do more, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began to expand over the years. New fundraising events and initiatives were created and held throughout the Garden State to promote the Special Olympics movement. With over $4 million raised annually by more than 3,000 officers through local and statewide events, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics New Jersey has been recognized in the world for many years as one of the top grassroots fundraising organizations for Special Olympics. Fundraising events that are conducted year-round in New Jersey include an Adopt-a-Cop campaign for the annual Torch Run, three Polar Bear Plunges, the Lincoln Tunnel Challenge 5K, the United Airlines Plane Pull and golf outings to name a few. In addition to fundraising, Law Enforcement officers volunteer at athlete competitions and events year-round, while serving as ambassadors in local communities. This year’s Annual Torch Run will precede the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games taking place at the College of NJ campus in Ewing, NJ from June 9-11. For more information or to make a donation in support of Special Olympics New Jersey please visit their website at https://www.njtorchrun.org/ Sheriff Strada is immensely proud of all the participating officers and congratulates them on their involvement in this very worthy cause.

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.

A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. < Back Medical co-pay policy implemented for inmates A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada has announced the recent implementation of an inmate medical co-pay policy at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Effective immediately, all inmates will be charged a ten dollar co-pay to see the physician or dentist. By establishing this co-pay, the sheriff’s office hopes to recoup some funds for medical costs and, more importantly, cut back on sick call abuse. Inmates with no funds available will not be denied visitation to the physician or dentist as state law requires that inmates be provided with healthcare. The sheriff’s office can, however, require an inmate to make this co-payment. It is expected that this new policy will be a money-saver.

Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a donation of body armor. < Back Sheriff’s K9 receives donated vest Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a donation of body armor. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Thi s specific vest was sponsored by William Haas of Bloomingburg, NY and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Petey and Lucky.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. over 3,800 U.S. made, custom fitted, NIJ certified protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $6.9 million dollars. The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate. The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 - $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination via its website or mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. < Back Sheriff's Office announces new promotion Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Detective Corporal Louis Cataldo has been promoted to Sergeant. A United States Army and New Jersey Army National Guard veteran, as well as an 18-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office; Sergeant Cataldo began his law enforcement career in 2006 when he was hired as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Law Enforcement. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), throughout his career, Sergeant Cataldo has been assigned to several different units including, The Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sheriff’s Detective Bureau, the New Jersey Judiciary Security Management Response Team (JSMART), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). He has deployed with the military multiple times. Twice to Iraq as part of Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom, once to Louisiana in support of logistic rescue operations immediately following Hurricane Katrina, and to Washington D.C. in support of Operation Resurrection. A 2006 graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute’s Basic Police Class, Sergeant Cataldo has also attended both Ocean County Community College and the County College of Morris. Among the numerous awards Sergeant Cataldo has received throughout his career are the Hurricane Irene Ribbon, the Armed Forces Ribbon, the Grand Cordon Ribbon, and two letters of commendations for his response to medical emergencies. Following his promotion, he will be assigned to supervise the Prisoner Transportation Unit. Sheriff Strada stated “I congratulate him on his promotion. I have the utmost confidence in his leadership abilities and look forward to working with him in his new role.” pictured left to right Sergeant Cataldo, Louis (Louie) Cataldo (Sgt. Cataldo’s son) and Sheriff Michael Strada

Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Woman arrested in Newton on Paterson warrants Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, September 20, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered Natasha McCoy. Officer Cahill believed McCoy to be the subject of an outstanding warrant and subsequently detained her. Further investigation revealed McCoy to be the subject of multiple warrants from Paterson Municipal Court. Officer Cahill immediately arrested McCoy and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Natasha McCoy was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Arrested: Charity Thompson, age 20 and Kevin J. Curran Jr., age 47, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Sheriff’s detective and officer arrest two in Newton Arrested: Charity Thompson, age 20 and Kevin J. Curran Jr., age 47, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Monday, July 29, 2013, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger and Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Megna located Charity Thompson and Kevin J. Curran at separate locations within the town of Newton. Thompson and Curran were both the subjects of outstanding Superior Court warrants. Further investigation revealed Thompson was also the subject of an outstanding municipal warrant from Frankford Township Municipal Court. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where they were lodged without incident. Charity Thompson remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,000 bail on the Superior Court warrant and $500 bail on the Frankford Township Municipal warrant. Kevin J. Curran Jr. was released on his own recognizance the following day after appearing before the Hon. N. Peter Conforti, JSC.

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: Caitlyn McKenzie, age 25, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Subject of active warrant arrested at county office Arrested: Caitlyn McKenzie, age 25, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, June 2, 2011, while assigned to the Division of Social Services offices in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines observed Caitlyn McKenzie. Knowing her to be the subject of an active outstanding Superior Court warrant, sheriff’s officers Maines and Matt Caine approached her and placed her under arrest. McKenzie was taken into custody, given a date to appear in Superior Court and released on her own recognizance. Sheriff’s Officer Edmund Galinski assisted in the arrest.