Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. < Back New sheriff’s K-9 team graduates training academy Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. On February 22, 2019, the team of K-9 “Nutmeg,” a one and a half year old bloodhound, and Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young completed an extensive 10-week training program provided by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office comprised of instruction in both canine obedience and human tracking. Speaking during a small gathering at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office last week, Sheriff Strada congratulated Det. Young on her graduation. Said the sheriff, “The effective utilization of competent and well trained K-9 teams is an integral part of successful contemporary law enforcement. To that end, we are pleased to offer the services of K-9 Nutmeg and Sheriff’s Detective Young to the municipal law enforcement agencies of Sussex County.” The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently has three K-9 teams, offering specialized services in both narcotics detection and suspect location.

Directions/Map Sussex County Judicial Center 43-47 High Street Newton, NJ 07860 From Northern NJ Take Route 80 West to Exit 25 (Route 206 North). Stay on Route 206 North for approximately 11 miles, to Newton. Route 206 North turns into Main Street as you approach downtown Newton. Take Main Street to the end. Turn left at the traffic light onto Spring Street (the square is on the left). From Spring Street, turn left onto High Street. You will see the Sussex County Judicial Center on your right. From Trenton and Southern NJ Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 127 (Route 287 North). From Route 287 North, take Exit 22B (Route 206 North). Proceed with step 2 from the Northern NJ directions above. From Southwest NJ Take the New Jersey Turnpike North to Exit 10 (Route 287 North). From Route 287 North, take Exit 22B (Route 206 North). Proceed with step 2 from the Northern NJ directions above. Parking for the Sussex County Judicial Center Free parking is available at the county indoor parking deck which is adjacent to the courthouse.

The sheriff’s office will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols from August 16 to September 2, 2013. < Back Crackdown on drunk drivers to begin The sheriff’s office will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols from August 16 to September 2, 2013. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced today that law enforcement officers from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2013 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Beginning August 16 and running through September 2, 2013, law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education. Launched across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the Labor Day holiday period. “Recent surveys indicate that many people harbor the dangerous belief that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road in danger.” In 2012, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 19 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and offers the following advice: If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before you go out. Take mass transit, a taxi, or ask a sober friend to drive you home. Spend the night where the activity is held. Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver. Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver. If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.

The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. < Back 2017 Bureau of Corrections awards day The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. Bureau of Corrections Awards Day is intended to recognize and commend the actions of both sworn and civilian personnel employed with the Bureau of Corrections who have earned awards and gone above and beyond the scope of their normal duties throughout the last calendar year. This year encompassed a wide variety of recognition across the spectrum, and included some past awardees who have yet had the opportunity to be formally recognized. Among the distinguished guests were Sheriff Mike Strada, Freeholder Sylvia Petillo, Warden Mark Farsi, Undersheriff Lee Liddy, Captain Will Puentes and Captain Larry Beller. Sergeant Anthony Masucci and Officer Richard Cullen led the group in the pledge of allegiance, followed by a thoughtful and inspiring invocation from Deacon Wayne Vondoehren, who volunteers his personal time at the jail for church and spiritual programs devoted to the rehabilitation and support of those incarcerated. Kind words from both the sheriff and freeholder included that corrections staff are subjected to some of the toughest conditions on a daily basis, and that being able to recognize their outstanding efforts on a formal basis is of utmost importance. A segment of Freeholder Sylvia Petillo’s speech reverberated throughout those in attendance when she explained that one of the most prominent aspects she has discovered within the Bureau of Corrections was “pride”—not a selfish type of pride, but a stewardship toward the selfless service that staff, both sworn and civilian, convey on a daily basis, often without recognition or public acclaim. The formal portion of the ceremony was closed by Captain Will Puentes, who thanked all of the attendees, recipients, staff and family members in attendance that made the day possible. Staff, family and friends were warmly welcomed to stay for cake, coffee and pictures following the event. The following are a list of recipients and awards, in order of precedence: Good Conduct Award Awarded to sworn staff members for a consecutive of four years of service without written reprimand or higher discipline. Officer Jose Rivera Corporal Edward Kayal Officer Paul Liobe Officer John Boeren Officer William Martin Community Service Award Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members who devote personal time and energy to a community-based service. Sergeant Erich Olsen Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members who go above and beyond their normal scope of duties. Tehmina Ali Tehmina goes above and beyond her normal scope of duties for our staff members in the facility, providing fresh cooked meals, mixing up the menu, and often times using her own personal ingredients or items. She is always in great spirits, is a pleasure to work with and a reliable employee. Her work ethic and positivity are recognized and appreciated and we are grateful to have her on our team. Certificate of Achievement Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members for a specific achievement within the scope of their duty to the department or field of law enforcement. Susan McIntyre In March of 2016, Sue McIntyre was able to detect the attempted use of a fraudulent check by an inmate for bail purposes. Her efforts stopped an inmate from possible release. This level of attention to detail reflects great credit upon her work ethic, and reflects positively on our organization as a whole. Honorable Service Medal Awarded for diligence and initiative in the line of duty. Sergeant Andrew Boden Officer Robert Cottrell On May 18, 2016, Sgt. Andrew Boden and Ofc. Robert Cottrell responded to a report of a fire in the laundry area. They assisted Ofc. Blohm in a smoke-filled environment to clear smoke from the building and check for further spread of fire. Both Boden and Cottrell put themselves at risk to help control a situation and prevent the spread of the fire and control the smoke in the building that could have resulted in adverse effects on all employees and inmates in the facility that night. Meritorious Service Medal Awarded for a highly unusual accomplishment, under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life and limb to the nominee or where death or injury to a third party is prevented. Officer Todd Blohm On May 18, 2016, Ofc. Todd Blohm responded to the report of a fire in the laundry area. Ofc. Blohm rushed to the area and made sure the inmate laundry worker was clear from the area. He retrieved a fire extinguisher and returned to the laundry room which was filling with smoke and extinguished the fire. He continued to work on checking that the fire had not spread into other parts of the laundry area as the smoke condition worsened. Ofc. Blohm put himself at risk to help control a situation and prevent the spread of fire and control the smoke in the building that could have had adverse effects on all employees and inmates in the facility that night. Wound Medal Awarded for a wound received in the line of duty, inflicted intentionally, resulting in severe puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures or concussion being suffered by nominee. Sergeant Jeremy Lock Corporal Jason Kimble On June 23, 2016, Sgt. Lock was assaulted by a combative inmate where he sustained major injuries to his face and jaw. Sgt. Lock was able to fight through his sustained injuries and continue to fend off the attack from the inmate until backup arrived and the inmate was finally controlled. Sgt. Lock suffered broken facial bones and had his jaw wired as a result of the punches he sustained during this incident. After requiring facial surgery and months of recuperation, Sgt. Lock returned to his duties in full capacity. On January 11, 2013, while escorting inmate Giuseppe Tedesco at Superior Court for sentencing on a murder conviction, the inmate was required to be restrained after mouthing obscenities to the jurors and making a verbal threat to a member of his victim’s family. While attempting to gain control and remove Tedesco to a holding cell, the inmate continued to violently resist and not comply with verbal orders. The inmate was taken to the floor by officers, resulting in Cpl. Kimble sustaining a head injury and a fractured right fibula. This major injury resulted in months of rehabilitation, with Cpl. Kimble returning to his duties in full capacity. Employee of the Year Awarded for dedication to duty, diligence, professionalism and outstanding representation of the organization. The employee of the years’ service to the department is invaluable and brings credit upon the individual, the Bureau of Corrections, and the Office of the Sheriff. Officer Robert Cottrell Ofc. Cottrell has been employed with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since January 2, 2007, and has been an outstanding officer throughout his tenure. He has also served in the military during his employment with the sheriff’s office. Ofc. Cottrell was the recipient of Employee of the Month for August 2016 for exceptional duty in diffusing an inmate altercation while effectively administering OC spray. His quick actions and professionalism prevented an inmate from becoming seriously injured. Ofc. Cottrell was also recognized for exceptional duty in observing suspicious behavior of an inmate which resulted in the discovery of contraband in the facility. Without Ofc. Cottrell’s attention to detail and outstanding performance, this contraband may have not been discovered, potentially causing harm to an inmate or subsequently a staff member. Ofc. Cottrell is a member of our Special Operations Group and is an integral part of almost every SOG operation. He has assisted in a wide variety of background investigations for applicants and potential new hires and assists with recruit physical training assessments. He has developed a specific fitness plan for several officers to help them throughout their training period prior to the academy. Ofc. Cottrell is one of our most relied upon field training officers and is also heavily relied upon by supervisors to assist in the training process. Ofc. Cottrell is respected by his peers and supervisors alike and is used on many occasions for details of high importance or substantial public visibility. Ofc. Cottrell has valuable insight into corrections-based critical tasks and provides critiques, feedback and departmental integration regarding any training that he attends. Ofc. Cottrell is willing and able to perform above and beyond his call of duty and perform any task he is assigned. On more than one occasion, Ofc. Cottrell has obtained valuable information from inmates, which has assisted the facility in detecting contraband, suspicious and illegal activity. Ofc. Cottrell is an outstanding officer whose positive manner, actions and professionalism reflects greatly upon the Bureau of Corrections and the Office of the Sheriff. Ofc. Cottrell is a great role model for junior officers and an invaluable resource to our team. Sheriff Strada congratulates all of the recipients and looks forward to another successful awards program for both the officers and civilians of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Pictured from left to right: Sergeant Jeremey Lock, Officer Todd Blohm, Officer Robert Cottrell, Corporal Jason Kimble, Sheriff Mike Strada, Susan McIntyre, Freeholder Sylvia Petillo, Tehmina Ali, Officer Jose Rivera, Sergeant Erich Olsen, Sergeant Andrew Boden.

On April 2, 2015 the sheriff’s Facebook page and website are “going blue” to show support for Light It Up Blue on World Autism Awareness Day. < Back Sheriff’s office participates in World Autism Awareness Day On April 2, 2015 the sheriff’s Facebook page and website are “going blue” to show support for Light It Up Blue on World Autism Awareness Day. Previous Next On April 2, 2015 the sheriff’s Facebook page and website are “going blue” to show support for Light It Up Blue on World Autism Awareness Day and to raise awareness for the autistic citizens of Sussex County. The sheriff’s office is pleased to be able to offer increased safety to autistic children and adults and peace of mind to their families with its Project Lifesaver Program. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently provides Project Lifesaver transmitters free of charge to any Sussex County resident diagnosed with a condition that may cause a propensity to wander. These transmitters emit a radio frequency unique to the transmitter that Sussex County sheriff’s officers use to locate a missing individual. This technology has cut search times from hours and days to an average of just 30 minutes according to Project Life Saver International. For questions or more information on Project Lifesaver, contact the Project Lifesaver Administrator Sergeant Krista Galante at 973.579.0850, ext. 2520. Learn more about Light It Up Blue »

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.

Arrested: James S. Fox, age 22, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Frankford Township motor vehicle stop results in weapon arrest Arrested: James S. Fox, age 22, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, May 17, 2011, while assigned to community policing in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a motor vehicle being operated by James S. Fox failing to maintain its lane of traffic. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty stopped the vehicle and, after observing Fox attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined him to be intoxicated. Additionally, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty observed a small handgun in the vehicle. The handgun was later determined to be a small caliber air pump metal BB gun. Further investigation also revealed Fox to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Fox was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. Fox was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 1/2 ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun without a permit, and several motor vehicle offenses. He was given a date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court. During the investigation, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty was assisted by Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski and Sheriff’s Sergeant Ray Loevlie.

A total of twenty-three individuals were arrested over the course of the three-day sweep. < Back Statewide nonsupport sweep final tally A total of twenty-three individuals were arrested over the course of the three-day sweep. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada today announced the final tally of arrests resulting from last week’s statewide child support sweep. All told, twenty-three individuals were arrested for non-payment of child support obligations during the three day operation. Previous news article about the sweep » Arrested Age Residence Dennis Tibus 43 Newton Thomas Scherzer 45 Stanhope Miguel Matos 28 Sussex Anthony Waldron 38 Frankford Eric Budinger 34 Hopatcong Thomas Steines 56 Newfoundland Robert Fernley 33 Ogdensburg Anthony Pakulnniewicz 43 Lake Hopatcong Daniel Biccum 53 Montague Douglas Deltufo 49 Budd Lake Alfred Davidson 30 Sussex Eric Bodle 35 Ogdensburg Robin Vance 50 Sussex Travis Kretzschmar 29 Sussex Kyle Davis 23 Green Michael Moeller 49 Hamburg William Demarest 42 Branchville Daniel Shaw 48 Franklin Richard Menagh 51 Morristown Stephen Rotella 53 Hewitt Larry Vansplinter 50 Haskell Bryan Kay 49 Landing Paul Alex, Sr. 52 Newton

< Back Tip Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Dog Abandonment Case Previous Next FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada March 20, 2026 973-579-0850 Tip Leads to Arrests in Large-Scale Dog Abandonment Case Sheriff Michael Strada and the Sussex County Sheriffs Crimestoppers announce that a critical tip they received has resulted in multiple arrests. Joshua Ciemniecki, 19; Robert Ciemniecki, 74; and Kaila McNeill, 30, all of Phillipsburg, NJ were arrested by the New Jersey State Police following an investigation involving approximately 40 dogs that were dumped and abandoned throughout Sussex County. Thanks to the swift response of Law Enforcement, animal rescue personnel and volunteers many of the dogs were safely recovered however unfortunately some were found deceased. This case marks a perfect example of how even a small tip can result in an arrest or arrests of individuals responsible for such heinous acts. Community involvement played such a crucial role in both protecting these vulnerable animals and bringing these offenders to justice. The Sussex County Sheriffs Crimestoppers extends its sincere gratitude to the anonymous tipster whose information proved to be critical in solving this case. “If not for the information provided through this Crimestoppers tip this case may have gone unsolved, we are incredibly thankful for all of the tips we received in reference to this case” The Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the dedicated efforts of New jersey State Police Troop B, Detectives and Officers with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, volunteers and Animal Control Officers from Newton and Wantage who provided essential support and care for the recovered animals. This incident serves as a reminder that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Sussex County and those responsible will be held accountable.

Overview The Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility (KDCF) was opened in 1978. It was named in honor of Walter Keogh-Dwyer, a long-time Sussex County resident who served as a state assemblyman, freeholder and mayor of Vernon Township. The facility is used as the operations and command center for the Bureau of Corrections staff, who are responsible for supervising inmates during transports for admission to the Morris County Correctional Facility, court hearings and medical appointments. KDCF is a full-spectrum 24-hour operation professionally and efficiently operated by sworn corrections officers and administrative staff. The KDCF has consistently maintained compliance with the standards prescribed by the state for adult county correctional facilities.

Arrested: Colin Haurey and Tamarah Johnson, both age 18, both of Wantage, NJ. < Back Motor vehicle stop leads to two drug arrests in Wantage Arrested: Colin Haurey and Tamarah Johnson, both age 18, both of Wantage, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, April 15, 2011, while assigned to community policing in Wantage Township, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty performed a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle operated by Tamarah Johnson for an equipment violation. Further investigation by Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty revealed both occupants of the vehicle to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty took both Haurey and Johnson into custody. Johnson was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and several motor vehicle violations. Haurey was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were given dates to appear in Wantage Township Municipal Court and released.

Do you have information relating to a crime or criminal activity in the Sussex County, New Jersey area? Get a cash reward of up to $1,000 for your anonymous tip. Call our hotline or submit a tip online using the form below. Call 973.300.CRIME Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment (as opposed to conviction) of criminals. When a person contacts Crime Stoppers, he/she is assigned a confidential code number which is then used for identification going forward. At no time will anyone ask the tipster’s name. The tipster will use the code number in all subsequent contacts with Crime Stoppers. When he/she becomes eligible for a reward, the arrangements to receive it are also made through the use of the code number. The reward will be paid in cash. After submitting your tip, please write down you’re your code number and call 973-300-CRIME to see if your tip leads to a reward. Crime Stoppers Online Anonymous Tip Form Suspect First Name Suspect Last Name Suspect Nickname Sex Age Birthday Race Height Weight Hair Color Eye Color Next