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The sheriff's office's participation in this enforcement effort concluded with five arrests for DWI and another seven arrests for drug offenses. < Back Sheriff's office participates in statewide DWI enforcement grant The sheriff's office's participation in this enforcement effort concluded with five arrests for DWI and another seven arrests for drug offenses. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada today announced the completion of his office’s participation in the 2011 New Jersey Statewide DWI Enforcement Grant. Funding for the statewide crackdown was secured through the Over the Limit/Under Arrest grant sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The grant provided for 88 hours of enforcement during a pre-selected period in order to reduce the number of motor vehicle operators who drive their vehicles while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs. Between August 19 and September 5, 2011, sheriff’s officers arrested five individuals throughout the county for driving while intoxicated. Additionally, seven individuals were arrested and charged with narcotics related offenses. During that same period, approximately forty-six traffic summonses were issued for motor vehicle related infractions.

Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. < Back Sheriff's K-9 search results in seizure of heroin brick Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. Previous Next On September 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow and Sheriff’s K-9 Atlas were assigned to assist the Hopatcong Police Department which was conducting a DWI traffic checkpoint. Sheriff’s Officer McMorrow utilized K-9 Atlas to search several vehicles stopped at the checkpoint. One of the vehicles searched was occupied by Kotz and DeLucchi. Further investigation of that vehicle revealed a “brick” consisting of approximately 50 bags of heroin and a hypodermic syringe hidden behind the glove compartment. Both Kotz and DeLucchi were immediately taken into custody by Hopatcong Police. Kotz and DeLucchi, both charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, are currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $15,000 bail.

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.

Life Saving Award & Two Letters of Commendation < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff Life Saving Award & Two Letters of Commendation Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada May 15, 2025 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff Life Saving Award : Corporal Jennifer VanDerWende and Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller were given the Life Saving Award for their actions during a medical emergency. These officers quickly administered first aid and stabilized the individual enough so that EMS could transport the individual to the hospital for advanced care. The quick actions of both officers resulted in a life being saved. (left to right), Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Corporal Jennifer VanDerWende, Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller Letter of Commendation: As a result of a Crimestoppers tip, Detective Michael Scott was involved in a three-month investigation that resulted in one of the largest CDS seizures in Sussex County history. His dedication to this case involved reviewing hours of surveillance, the application and execution of a search warrants, working together with other law enforcement agencies and he assisted in interviewing and prosecuting the suspects involved. (left to right), Detective Michael Scott, K9 Ace, Sheriff Michael F. Strada Letter of Commendation: Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator Stephanie House, Public Safety Telecommunicators Ashley Hebble, Michael Totaro and Travis Finan were given Letters of Commendation for their work involving a high stress critical incident. These individuals demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to duty stepping seamlessly into their role and they executed their responsibilities without hesitation. (left to right) Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator Stephanie House, Public Safety Telecommunicator Travis Finan, Public Safety Telecommunicator Ashley Hebble, Public Safety Telecommunicator Michael Totaro and Director of Communications Eric Muller Sheriff Strada stated, “I am proud of the work that my staff performs every day without hesitation. It was an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals.”

Arrested: David Brunt, age 24, of Byram and Chaine D. Brantley, age 33, of Franklin, NJ. < Back Multiple arrests made in probation department Arrested: David Brunt, age 24, of Byram and Chaine D. Brantley, age 33, of Franklin, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar was advised by probation staff that an arrest warrant had been issued for David Brunt. Sheriff’s Officer Freykar located Brunt, placed him under arrest and transported him to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without incident. Also in the probation department, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered Chaine Brantley. Further investigation revealed the existence of two outstanding municipal court warrants issued for Brantley. Sheriff’s Officer Cahill immediately placed her under arrest and processed her before turning her over to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections for transport to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. David Brunt remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. Chaine Brantley was provided with future dates to appear in Trenton and Pemberton municipal courts and released on her own recognizance.

View a list of OEM coordinators for all Sussex County towns. < Back Hurricane Sandy and municipal OEM coordinators View a list of OEM coordinators for all Sussex County towns. Previous Next In anticipation of the upcoming storm, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Division of Emergency Management has made available a list of local OEM coordinators for each municipality in the county. For life hazard emergencies, call 9-1-1. For loss of electricity, call your power provider. For all other storm-related inquiries, call you local municipal emergency management coordinator. View list of municipal emergency coordinators »

Arrested: Edward D. Reilly, age 41, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Outstanding warrant leads to drug arrest in Sussex Borough Arrested: Edward D. Reilly, age 41, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, February 16, 2012, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties in Wantage Township, sheriff’s detectives Mike Yanko and Matt Caine encountered Edward Reilly. Knowing him to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court arrest warrant, detectives Yanko and Caine approached Reilly and placed him under arrest. Further investigation revealed Reilly to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine. Reilly was transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce. Edward Reilly is currently lodged in the Keogh Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10% option.

< Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg and Detective Young attend the National Police Bloodhound Association Seminar and receive certification Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce that during the last week of April 2021, K9 Nutmeg and her handler Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Detective Cathy Young attended the National Police Bloodhound Association's Spring Seminar in McHenry, Maryland. This 40 hour block of instruction included one day of classroom refresher courses for the handler and 4 days of paws-on-the-pavement trailing work for the K9s. With the help and oversight of the expert NPBA instructors, K9 teams were tested on a variety of different surfaces, terrains, and aged trails. K9 Nutmeg approached her training with her best paw forward, making easy work of a 24+ hour-old trail and even running the entirety of an over 1-mile long trail. With her hard work and endless drive, K9 Nutmeg made it smooth sailing to achieving her 2nd national man-trailing certification. Sheriff Strada said, “K9 Nutmeg and Detective Young continue to be an asset to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and continued success, both with their training and their work in the field here in Sussex County.”

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.

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 .

SLAP The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offers the Sheriffs Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) to certain non-violent offenders sentenced to a term supervised by the Sussex Sheriff’s Office. This program has been highly successful and is explained in sections listed below. Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) The SLAP program is a community-based labor program that provides a structured alternative to incarceration for persons sentenced by Sussex County Courts. Persons sentenced to SLAP are able to pay their dept to society by performing moderate levels of manual labor. This enables them to maintain employment, provide for their families and continue to be productive members of society while satisfying their sentence. Offenders are prudently screened and only those with nonviolent, minor offenses are admitted into the program. Participants are required to follow all rules and regulations or face having their SLAP sentence revoked. At that time, they may be required to serve the remainder of their sentence in jail. SLAP participants provide non-skilled manual labor to nonprofit public and private agencies at no cost. Many organizations within Sussex County use the program regularly. SLAP participants are supervised by armed Officers at all times and are never left at jobs sites without supervision. Work that cannot be done by SLAP participants: SLAP does not work at private companies, personal homes or areas that are deemed unsafe by Sheriff's Office personnel. SLAP participants are not allowed to operate power tools such as chain saws and riding lawnmowers. Participants are not allowed to climb ladders that are over 10 feet off the ground. Participants cannot enter rivers, lakes or other bodies of water. Participants cannot remove poison ivy, oak, sumac, etc. Nonprofit Sussex County agencies seeking to enlist SLAP participants for a specified project must submit all requests in writing on organization letterhead. The request should detail the work that you would like done, where it is located and who the contact person is. Written requests should be sent to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ 07860. All jobs must be checked prior to starting; a representative from the SLAP program will check the job site prior to beginning a project. You will also be required to fill out a work request form stating the type of services requested, that form will be provided by the Officer who will contact you for final approval. Please note the following: SLAP does not dispose of garbage collected; it is the requesting agency’s responsibility to arrange for pickup. All equipment that is needed for a job has to be provided by the requesting agency (i.e., rakes, shovels, push mowers, garbage bags etc.). For further information about SLAP, contact Corporal James Aumick or Corporal Brian Snyder at 973-579-0875 ext. 2307

Inmate Visitation/Information Inmate Visitation To inquire about inmate visitation at the Morris County Correctional Facility, please contact the Morris County Correctional Facility at 973-631-5174, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For all other times including holidays, call 973-631-5416. You may visit the Morris County Correctional Facility website at: morriscountynj.gov/Departments/Jail