Search this site

Arrested: Steven Moyet, age 27, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back USMC deserter arrested at courthouse Arrested: Steven Moyet, age 27, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, September 5, 2013, while assigned to courtroom security at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer William Ficacci encountered Steven Moyet. Believing Moyet to be the subject of an outstanding federal warrant, Officer Ficacci detained him until the warrant could be confirmed. While waiting for the warrant to be confirmed, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger arrived to assist. Further investigation revealed Moyet had deserted from the United States Marine Corps several months earlier. Upon confirmation of the warrant, Moyet was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Steven Moyet was lodged without bail in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility and he remained there until September 10, 2013, whereupon he was returned to the care and custody of the United States Marine Corps military police.

Administration Mission Statement The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office dedicates itself to protecting the life and property of the citizens of the county, providing primary and support services to all law enforcement agencies, along with maintaining traditional sheriff’s services. The office recognizes that the ability to successfully complete this mission is based on mutual respect and responsibility, shared by all agencies, and most importantly the citizens it serves. As professionals, we are duty bound to enforce the laws in a fair and impartial manner, recognizing both the statutory and judicial limitations of police authority, and at all times, protecting the constitutional rights of all persons. Sheriff Michael F. Strada Sheriff Mike Strada , who has been involved in public service all his life, is serving his fifth three-year term as Sussex County Sheriff. Sheriff Strada served in the Army for four years as a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and served in both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. While in the military, he was an explosives expert and assigned to a Parachute Infantry Regiment. During his military career, he was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge and the Army Achievement Medal. After being honorably discharged from the military, Sheriff Strada went on to pursue a career in law enforcement. He began his law enforcement career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. In 1995, Sheriff Strada joined the Mt. Olive Township Police Department and was assigned to the Patrol Division where he served for ten years. In 2005, he moved up to the Investigations Division where he served as a detective for the duration of his tenure with Mt. Olive. Over the course of his career with Mt. Olive, Strada was the recipient of numerous departmental awards including the Morris County 200 Club 2001 Valor Award, three lifesaving awards, four honorable service awards, three meritorious service awards, an educational achievement award and a military service award. Sheriff Strada has a master’s degree, from Fairleigh Dickinson, in administration. Law enforcement certifications and training include FBI Police Supervision and Management, Northeast Counterdrug Training Center: Leadership and Mastering Performance Management, Supervision Principles, Police Supervision, and Organizational Leadership. In addition to being a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Executive Leadership Program at the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI), he is also a certified field training officer and police academy instructor. Sheriff Strada is a graduate of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security Executive Leadership Program. Sheriff Strada has served as President of the Sheriffs’ Association of New Jersey and is a member of Newton VFW Post 5360, Life Member of the National Rifle Association, Branchville American Legion Post 157, New Jersey Italian American Police Officers Association, New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, Sussex County Chiefs of Police Association and FBI National Academy Associates. Special Services Unit Undersheriff John Schanstra Undersheriff John Schanstra , a lifelong resident of Sussex County, graduated from Sparta High School and from County College of Morris with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, also from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a master’s of administrative sciences degree. In 1988, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Municipal Police Academy as part of the 188th class. During his 25-year career as a police officer with the Borough of Ogdensburg and the Township of Sparta, he started his career as a patrolman, Undersheriff Schanstra, after being promoted to detective served in the Investigative Unit of the Sparta Police handling criminal and administrative investigations. Undersheriff Schanstra was assigned as the liaison with the Middle Atlantic - Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network for the purpose of analysis and dissemination of criminal intelligence. Undersheriff Schanstra was promoted to detective sergeant and took command of the investigative unit of the Sparta Police Department overseeing all investigations and the oversight of schools security of the district along with Sparta Pope John and Vo-Tech High School. Undersheriff Schanstra was sworn in as a deputy United States marshal and assisted the United States Marshal Service Joint Fugitive Task Force in the apprehension of violent criminals in the tri-state area. During his career as a police officer, Undersheriff Schanstra served for six years as the president of the Sussex County Detectives Association. His awards include the Sussex County Detective of the Year, police officer of the year award which was present by the Sparta Kiwanis along with numerous meritorious services awards. Undersheriff Schanstra was hired by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as the director of internal affairs prior to being promoted to undersheriff of Special Services Unit. This unit includes Internal Affairs, K-9, Detective and Cops Unit of the Sussex County Sheriffs Office. Besides his master’s degree in administrative science, Undersheriff Schanstra holds the position of adjunct professor at Sussex County Community College where he teaches criminal investigation at night. Undersheriff Schanstra is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #26 and the Interstate Law Enforcement Officers Association. Civil Process Unit Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti moved to Sussex County at a very young age and graduated from Port Jervis High School. He attended Sussex County Community College and then Montclair University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. In 1995, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in the 115th academy class and assigned badge #5237. He continued his studies at Seton Hall University graduating with a master of arts in human resources. During his nearly 26-year career with the New Jersey State Police, Undersheriff Avenatti began as a road trooper serving at Totowa-Sub, Washington, Sussex, Netcong and Hope stations. He served in the Special Operations Section as a commercial vehicle inspector eventually becoming part of a criminal interdiction team. He also was a member of the ceremonial Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold for several years. In 2016, Avenatti was promoted to sgt. first class and assigned to the Garden State Parkway, Bloomfield Station, Troop D, Field Operations Section as the assistant station commander for two years. He transferred to Troop B headquarters and served on the Troop B command staff until he was transferred to Sussex station. There he was promoted to lieutenant/station commander in 2018 where he finished his New Jersey State Police career. During his career with the state police, Avenatti served as an instructor in riot control for the Urban Area Security Initiative, assigned to Washington, DC for two presidential inaugurations, was an armorer for several weapons platforms utilized by the state police as well as a firearms instructor. He received the Franklin E. Sigler Award for Heroism from the Newton VFW Post along with other members of his squad and a Certificate of Unit Commendation for assisting with a large seizure of contraband. Undersheriff Avenatti is an associate member of the New Jersey State Police Superior Officers Association, a member of Newark FOP Lodge #12 and the Former Troopers Association.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces program milestone. < Back Sussex County TRIAD distributes 1,000th wristband Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces program milestone. Previous Next Sheriff Strada is pleased to announce that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office/TRIAD organization recently distributed its 1,000th wristband. Ms. Eunice Howley of Andover Township was the recipient of the organization’s 1,000th wristband which marks a program milestone since its inception in April of 2014. Sussex County TRIAD provides black and gold silicone wristbands, free of charge to senior citizens of Sussex County, which are engraved with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office name and telephone number along with a registration number. The registration number corresponds to emergency contact information which can be provided to a first responder within Sussex County identifying the citizen in need who may be unable to communicate with the responder. Several businesses and individual donors are sponsoring the cost of the program. The successful implementation of this program was made possible, in large part, thanks to the generous donations of the following Sussex County businesses. The Senior Quality of Life Foundation Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home Smith-McCracken Funeral Home Arthur J. Gallagher & Company - George Morville The Mitchell Agency The Hampton Diner Deacon Homes If you are interested in learning more about the TRIAD program or are interested in sponsoring the wristband program, please contact Hilary Manser at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

Courthouse Security Overview The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office oversees the general security of the courthouse complex to ensure the orderly, peaceful and safe conduct of court business. Attorney ID Cards Find out about our attorney identification card program, designed to expedite attorney access into the Sussex County Judicial Center. Directions/Map Directions and map to the Sussex County Judicial Center, located at 43-47 High Street in Newton.

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.

Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. < Back Cub Scouts tour 911 Communications Center Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently hosted a tour of the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center for Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop. Den leader Brandt Anderson said “Our kids are working on an advancement that requires our troop to examine the resources within their community that are designed to help the community function in a time of need.” Sheriff Strada, along with 911 Communications Director Mark Rozek, took the boys through the Sussex County Communications Center and discussed what happens when you place a 911 call. The kids received a great lesson in emergency services and how it helps the community. Mr. Anderson noted, “We are also incorporating the idea of local heroes. The kids have decided, on their own, that Sheriff Strada and his deputies are the heroes that they feel best serve our township.”

Two staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. < Back Bureau of Law Enforcement promotes two officers Two staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Detective Corporal Kieran McMorrow has been promoted to sergeant. A 1992 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a United States Army veteran, and an 18-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant McMorrow began his law enforcement career in 2000 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. In December of 2000, he accepted a position as a sheriff’s officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Sergeant McMorrow has been assigned to several different units including the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the sheriff’s Community Policing Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT) and the sheriff’s K-9 Unit. In addition to being a recipient of the sheriff’s Good Conduct Medal, the Educational Achievement Award, a two-time recipient of the sheriff’s Achievement Award, and the Sussex County Detective’s Association Meritorious Service Award, Sergeant McMorrow has received numerous accolades from other law enforcement agencies and civic groups. A graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute 86th Basic Police Class, Sergeant McMorrow also holds a baccalaureate degree in history from Fairleigh Dickinson University where he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in administrative science. He currently serves as both a K-9 handler and the public information officer of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Following this promotion, Sergeant McMorrow will be assigned to supervise sheriff’s officers serving in the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. Detective William Ficacci has been promoted to detective sergeant. A 1999 Wallkill Valley High School graduate, a lifelong Sussex County resident, a United States Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq in 2003, Sergeant Ficacci began his law enforcement career in 2005 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2006, he accepted a position as a sheriff’s officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement and was assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. In 2013 he was promoted to detective and transferred to the sheriff’s Detective Bureau where he was assigned to fugitive recovery duties. Throughout his career, Sergeant Ficacci has also served as a team member of the sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit, supervised the sheriff’s internship program, and conducted numerous criminal investigations. A graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute 97th Basic Police Class, Sergeant Ficacci is also a recipient of multiple military awards and the sheriff’s Achievement Award. Following this promotion, Detective Sergeant Ficacci will be assigned to supervise detectives serving in the sheriff’s Detective Bureau. Sheriff Strada thanks both of the above members for their service and congratulates them on their new positions. Pictured from left to right: Sergeant Kieran McMorrow, Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Detective Sergeant William Ficacci.

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 »

This scam involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. < Back Sheriff’s Office warns of jury duty telephone scam This scam involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced that a long running telephone scam seeking payment for false warrants and overdue payment to the IRS has taken a new twist. This new twist involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. The scam involves a caller stating that he or she is with the sheriff’s office, will give an officer’s name, and has a warrant for that person’s arrest. The imposter then goes on to say that it can be handled either “civilly” or “criminally” but if they elect to pay a civil fine, there will be no arrest. The caller will give instructions on using a pre-paid debit card from a major bank or a Green Dot card. The caller will go so far as to give stores where these pre-paid cards can be purchased. Sheriff Strada stated that this is the latest variation to the false warrant scam and the Internal Revenue Service scam demanding overdue tax payments in the same manner. The caller will provide a call back phone number where payment can be made. The phone number is then answered falsely identifying it as the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Strada stressed that legitimate law enforcement agencies will not tell people to provide money card information to avoid arrest. It is further warned that even if the caller has some name or knowledge, the receiver of the call should not provide any personal information such as date of birth or social security information. You should not engage with the caller and instead, simply hang up.

Fire Marshal Fire Marshal: Mark Snook Fire Coordinator: Jonathan Frato Sussex County’s fire marshal is under the aegis of the sheriff’s office. Duties and responsibilities include the following: Enforce New Jersey’s Uniform Fire Code in county-owned buildings and assist local fire officials with enforcement of same. Coordinate activities once a fire-related incident has grown beyond a local fire department’s span of control. Coordinate the investigation of every fire incident occurring within Sussex County. Allocate available fire service resources for out-of-county deployment when requested by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety in accordance with the Fire Service Resource Emergency Deployment Act. Oversee the efforts of the Sussex County Fire Prevention Association in educating the community about fire safety. Administer the Juvenile Fire Watch Program within Sussex County. Serve as liaison between the Sussex County Firemen’s Association, the Sussex County Fire Chief’s Association and county administrators for all fire safety and fire service matters. Have questions? For more information, please call 973.579.0380. Online Portal : https://sussexcshfsdeptnj.tylerportico.com/payments/billsearch/ The above link will direct you to a new page for the following: New Business Registrations Smoke Detector Compliance Inspections (Branchville Boro, Fredon Twp., Green Twp. And Newton) Application for Fire Permits (Andover Boro, Andover Twp., Branchville Boro, Franklin Boro, Fredon Twp., Green Twp., Newton, Stanhope Boro, Stillwater Twp. And The Sussex County Technical School) Online Invoice Payment Fire Department Resources »

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. The programs include the following: • Active Shooter Civilian Response • Fire Marshal’s Office Overview • Crimestoppers Overview • Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Overview • Home Burglary Awareness/Prevention • Credit Card Scams • Internet and Telephone Scams • Contractor and Home Healthcare Scams • Project Lifesaver Program • Senior Wristband Program • Senior Identification Cards • Emergency Preparedness for your Home • 911 Communications Center • K9 Demonstrations • Fake News and how to spot it on the internet The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office would be happy to come to your community group to present any of these topics. Please call 973-579-0850 ext 2114 for more information. Senior Photo ID Program Link to the Senior Photo ID form can be found HERE The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offers photo identification cards to Sussex County seniors over 55 years of age. Please call 973-579-0850 ext 2114 to schedule your appointment. Please note that this is a “low level” form of identification. Senior Wristband Program Link to the Senior Wristband form can be found HERE The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will provide black and gold silicone wristbands to every senior citizen of Sussex County free of charge. The bands are engraved with “SC Sheriff 973-579-0888” and a registration number. That number will be used to register all participating senior citizens with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office should the senior citizen be unable to communicate with emergency personnel. For more information, please call 973-579-0850 ext 2114.

Correction's Sergeant Will Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was recently promoted to lieutenant. < Back Corrections sergeant promoted to lieutenant Correction's Sergeant Will Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was recently promoted to lieutenant. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Correction’s Sergeant Will Puentes to Correction’s Lieutenant. Lt. Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections, began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 1995. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and assigned to supervise the midnight shift. A member of the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit, Lt. Puentes is a graduate of the New Jersey State Department of Corrections Academy and holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Monmouth University. Commenting on Lt. Puentes’ leadership qualities at the swearing-in ceremony, Sheriff Strada cited Puentes’ exemplary employment history and past supervisory performance as a catalyst in his decision to promote him. “It will be a pleasure having him serve the people of Sussex County and the office of the sheriff. His dedication and chosen career path in the corrections field have shown him to be a conscientious, eager and valuable employee.” Sheriff Strada offered congratulations to Lieutenant Puentes and stated that he knows that “the highest standards and tradition of the office of the sheriff will continue with the promotion of such a fine officer.” Sheriff Strada is also pleased to announce the rank of corporal has been awarded to corrections officers Erich Olsen and Anthony Masucci. Cpl. Olsen and Cpl. Masucci, both 15-year veterans of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections, have worked at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility since 1996.