About Administration Under the leadership of Sheriff Michael Strada, the sheriff’s office provides numerous services to the citizens and local police agencies of Sussex County. Professional Standards It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of alleged officer misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen or agency employee. Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the custody and care of incarcerated persons. Bureau of Law Enforcement The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. Communications Center The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center provides regular dispatch services for the sheriff’s office and serves as a PSAP for enhanced 911 calls. Emergency Management The Division of Emergency Management coordinates the efforts of police, fire, EMS, public works, public health and a myriad of volunteer organizations during emergencies. Fire Marshal The fire marshal supports and facilitates the safety of the general public through fire safety education, supporting fire safety legislation and fire prevention education programs to minimize the loss of property and life. Employment The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office hires employees based on the results of an open competitive law enforcement entry level examination given by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Sheriff’s Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office came into existence in 1753 and for well over 200 years now, has steadfastly remained committed to serving the residents of Sussex County. .

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada would like to warn the public of a scam commonly referred to as the “Jury Duty Scam”. The caller states that they are calling from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and that there is a warrant out for your arrest for not appearing for jury duty. The caller goes on to state that “you need to pay a $750 cash bond to clear the warrant”. You are then instructed to stay on the phone with the caller and drive to the Sussex County Courthouse. At this time, “a clerk will meet you outside of the courthouse to receive payment”. This is a scam. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will never call you to collect money for missed jury duty. The caller also “spoofs” the caller ID so that the call appears to be coming from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. This is a common practice of scammers so be wary of what appears on your caller ID. They may even know your name and some personal information. Remember, scammers can easily look up information about you on the internet. The scammer is persistent and can be threatening in nature if you challenge them. The best way to avoid this scam is to hang up, and in some cases, keep hanging up. If you have concerns regarding this latest scam, please contact our office at 973-579-0850.

Home Detention Program The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offers an alternative to incarceration for certain offenders sentenced to a term of imprisonment by allowing them to participate in the Home Detention Program (HDP). Home Detention Program Application Form What is the Home Detention Program? The HDP is an alternative form of incarceration for sentenced minimum security individuals. Approved participants are fitted with an electronic monitoring device attached to their ankle which is equipped with GPS tracking software that monitors the participants location in real time. Benefits of the Home Detention Program Participants are able to serve their sentence outside the confines of a correctional facility. This permits the participant to continue with employment, education, rehabilitation treatments and other structured activities. Participants who are medically fragile or elderly who may require extensive medical care or hospitalization are able to receive their care without interruption. Eligibility to Participate in the Home Detention Program Participants must live with a sponsor and have a sentence no more than 364 days and not less than 10 days. Participants must be sentenced by a judge in either Sussex County Superior Court or Sussex County Municipal Court and live in Sussex County or within close proximity to the county. Cost of Participation $50.00 enrollment/processing fee, must be paid with a postal money order (this is a one-time fee) $10.00 a day/$70.00 a week GPS monitoring fee $20.00 drug and alcohol test fee (minimum once a week) Fees may be modified by the sentencing judge on a case-to-case basis. Who is Not Eligible for the Home Detention Program? Any individual convicted of a 1st degree crime or an offense that statutorily requires mandatory incarceration. Any other offenses, please contact the Home Detention Program at 973.579.0865, ext. 2016 or ext. 2017 for more information.

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.

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.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following hiring within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. < Back Sheriff's Office New Hire Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following hiring within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following hiring within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. At a ceremony held at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office earlier this week, Sheriff Michael F. Strada administered the Oath of Office to our newest employee, Sheriff’s Investigator Thomas Maroney. A 2009 graduate of Vernon Township High School, Investigator Maroney actually began his career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections back in 2016. Following the closure of the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 2019, he accepted a position as a Corrections Officer with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office before ultimately returning to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement as a Sheriff’s Investigator. Investigator Maroney holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sussex County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Centenary College. During his college career, he made Dean’s List every semester in both schools. President of the Criminal Justice Club during his time at SCCC, Investigator Maroney was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. A graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy’s Basic Corrections and Modified Basic Police Classes. While a recruit in the Police Academy, Investigator Maroney won the Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC) Driving Award. Following his swearing-in, Sheriff Strada congratulated Investigator Maroney and wished him the best of luck. pictured left to right – Investigator Maroney and Sheriff Michael Strada

Join the race against crime on September 16, 2017 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 16 Join the race against crime on September 16, 2017 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 16, 2017 Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ Race Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Join hundreds of runner/walkers and supporters in the race against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 16, 2017. Pre-register by September 12 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 12 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. Goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 12K runners/walkers while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top three male and female winners overall, the top three teams and by age groups. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment after the event. Race proceeds will benefit the Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit corporation funded by contributions from local businesses and citizens at no cost to the taxpayer. Individuals who have information relating to a crime or criminal activity in the Sussex County, New Jersey area can receive up to a $1,000.00 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. Tips may be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973.300.CRIME or online anonymous tip form . Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Thorlabs as well as our other participating sponsors. Have questions or need more information about the event? Contact Hilary Manser at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

Arrested: Quintia Dessau, age 29, formerly of Dorchester, MA. < Back Sheriff’s officers arrest woman at state fair Arrested: Quintia Dessau, age 29, formerly of Dorchester, MA. Previous Next On Saturday, August 3, 2013, while assigned to traffic control during the NJ State Fair, sheriff’s officers Warren Slahor, Lew Labar and Lieutenant Lawrence Beller encountered Quintia Dessau. Further investigation revealed Dessau to be the subject of several outstanding municipal warrants from Elizabeth, Fort Lee, Linden and Atlantic City municipal courts. Dessau was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. She was ultimately turned over to the custody of the Elizabeth Police Department for transport to the Essex County Jail where she was subsequently lodged in lieu of $14,075 bail.

The SOG broke the last reported record on the truck pull. < Back Special Operations Group participates in truck pull The SOG broke the last reported record on the truck pull. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections Special Operations Group (SOG) participated in a fundraising event hosted by the Military Transport Association (MTA) in order to raise funds and awareness for local family readiness groups and soldiers in the Army National Guard 143rd Transportation Unit. The event took place on April 23, 2017 as part of a larger swap meet and military vehicle show. One of the event organizers, Randy Emr, a local military supporter and fundraiser with the MTA, was brought to tears seeing the Army, Boy Scouts of America Troop 188, law enforcement, local gyms and general team assemblies come together for laughs and fun in order to support a great cause. The Special Operations Group broke the last reported record on the truck pull with a time of 13.9 seconds to pull the 20,000lb historic military truck a distance of 100 feet. The previous record was around the 16 second range, states Randy Emr. The Boy Scouts came in as a very close second with a time of 15.4 seconds with a little help from a couple of their friends in SOG who tactically inserted themselves behind the truck for a boost. Mark Farsi, warden of the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility, cordially invites any other law enforcement teams to come and try to take the trophy next year, all in the name of camaraderie and a good cause. Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada thanks our service members, veterans, their families and the event organizers for allowing the sheriff’s office to be part of a great event in support of the community. Warden Mark Farsi, surrounded by members of the SOG team and members of the military, holds up the trophy.

Scott Haggerty, from the Bureau of Law Enforcement, was recently promoted to sergeant. < Back Sheriff’s Detective Corporal Promoted Scott Haggerty, from the Bureau of Law Enforcement, was recently promoted to sergeant. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Sheriff’s Detective Corporal Scott Haggerty to sergeant in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 1987 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Sergeant Haggerty began his law enforcement career in May 2003 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Bureau of Corrections. In June of 2004, he was hired as a sheriff’s officer and assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. He remained in this assignment until September of 2006 when he was assigned to the sheriff’s Community Policing Unit. Since August of 2018, Sergeant Haggerty has been assigned to the sheriff’s Detective Bureau where his current duties include background investigations, criminal and civil warrant service and entries, as well as fugitive apprehension. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Sergeant Haggerty is also certified as a hazardous materials technician, a child safety seat technician, and a defensive driving instructor. Throughout his career, he has been a member of the sheriff’s Traffic Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Material Team (HAZMAT), and the County Car Accident Reconstruction Team (CART), as well as the Sussex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Incident Management Team. A life member of the Wantage Township Fire Department, Sergeant Haggerty is also a former fire chief of the department. Earlier this month, Sheriff Strada administered the oath of service to Sergeant Haggerty, congratulated him on his promotion, and wished him continued success in his career. Said the sheriff, “Throughout his career, Sergeant Haggerty has repeatedly displayed the qualities of leadership that are so vital to this position. We look forward to seeing him bring these qualities to his new role as a supervisor.” Sergeant Haggerty is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy Basic Corrections Officer Class and the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute (Police Academy) Basic Police Class. Pictured l to r: Sheriff Strada, Sgt. William Ficacci, and Sgt. Scott Haggerty. Pictured l to r: Sheriff Strada, Sgt. Scott Haggerty, Sgt. William Ficacci, Sgt. John Gray, Sgt. Michael Tidaback.

Arrested: Emmet Emery Norman, Jr., age 49, of Newton, NJ. < Back Newton man arrested for bringing marijuana with him to court Arrested: Emmet Emery Norman, Jr., age 49, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, February 27, 2014, while assigned to the front door security post at the Sussex County Superior Courthouse, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor encountered Emmit Emery Norman. Mr. Norman placed several items from his pockets on top of a table at the security post. Included in those items was a cigarette package containing a small amount of marijuana. As a result, Officer Slahor placed Norman under arrest and escorted him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Emmit Emery Norman, Jr. was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce. He was issued a summons for that charge, given a future court date to appear in Newton Municipal Court, and subsequently released.

Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on April 28, 2012. < Back Sheriff's office to participate in countywide drug disposal Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on April 28, 2012. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada has announced that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Sussex County Prescription Drug Disposal Day in conjunction with the Center for Prevention & Counseling , the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Police and police departments from Andover Township, Byram, Franklin, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Newton, Sparta and Vernon. Unwanted, unused or expired medications will be collected by sheriff’s officers posted at the Sussex Borough A&P on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The A&P is located at 455 Route 23 North in Sussex Borough. There will be additional collection points at the following locations during these same hours: Andover Township Police Department Byram Shop-Rite (Rt. 206) Franklin Borough Police Department Hardyston Municipal Building Medicine Shoppe (50 Hopatchung Rd., Hopatcong) Montague Shop-Rite (Rt. 23/Tristate Mall) Newton Shop Rite (Rt. 206) Sparta Police Department Vernon A&P (Rt. 515) The goal of this program is to provide residents with the opportunity to rid their homes of medications that are no longer needed by turning these medications over to law enforcement officials who will then dispose of the substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner. For more information, please contact the Center for Prevention & Counseling at 973.383.4787.