Arrested: Katie D. Herburger and Jessica M. Lemasson, both age 19, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Newton teenagers arrested for DWI Arrested: Katie D. Herburger and Jessica M. Lemasson, both age 19, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 7:15 a.m. on the morning of Monday, February 4, 2013, while traveling in Hampton Township, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger observed a motor vehicle operated by Katie Herburger fail to maintain her lane of traffic and fail to stop at a traffic light. Detective Lunger initiated a motor vehicle stop on the car and walked up to speak with the driver. While Detective Lunger was speaking with Herburger, Captain George Kately arrived on scene to assist. After speaking with Herburger and observing her attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Captain Kately found her to be intoxicated. Further investigation revealed Lemasson to be intoxicated as well. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where they were processed and released to the care of a responsible party. Katie Herburger was issued summonses for underage consumption of alcohol, driving while intoxicated, failure to keep right and failure to observe a traffic signal. Jessica Lemasson was issued summonses for underage consumption of alcohol and allowing an intoxicated driver to operate a motor vehicle. Both were released pending future court appearances in Hampton Township Joint Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray assisted in the arrest.

Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. < Back Sheriff honors officers at awards ceremony Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently honored several sheriff’s officers for exceptional and meritorious service in a ceremony held at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Lawrence Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Matthew Maines were presented with the Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award for their efforts in assisting to resuscitate an individual in cardiac arrest in Frankford Township on August 10, 2011. While assigned to monitor parking areas during last year’s New Jersey State Fair, Lt. Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines encountered a man laying face down and unresponsive. They requested advanced medical assistance and began an assessment of the patient’s condition. Beller and Maines checked the man’s pulse, rolled him over, and cleared his airway. When paramedics arrived, Beller and Maines briefed them on the patient’s known condition and assisted as an Automated External Defibrillator was used to “shock” the patient. The man was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical center where he successfully recovered from his injuries. But for the initiative and alert actions of Lieutenant Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines, the man may very well have not survived. Lieutenant Beller has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. He is currently assigned to supervise the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer Maines has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2009. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar was presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award for his actions in preventing an inmate from committing suicide on January 27, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Freykar has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2005. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Captain George Kately, III and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel were presented with the Sheriff’s Exceptional Duty Award. The Exceptional Duty Award is awarded to those sheriff’s personnel who, as a result of training, devotion to duty, or service to the public, bring acclaim to themselves, the office, or the police profession. Both Captain Kately and Sheriff’s Officer Vogel, each serving as deputy emergency management coordinator alternately, coordinated all Office of Emergency Management resources during Hurricane Irene in August, 2011. Captain Kately has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1988. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sheriff’s Officer Vogel has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1998. Additionally, Sheriff’s Officer Vogel was presented with the Sheriff’s Educational Achievement Award for obtaining a baccalaureate degree in human services from Thomas A. Edison State College. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sergeant John Gray was presented with the Honorable Service Award for his actions during a domestic violence assault that occurred in Sandyston Township on February 14, 2011. Sergeant Gray has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1991 and is currently assigned to supervise the Traffic and Community Policing units. Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor was presented with the Good Conduct Medal and a Department Appreciation Award from the Stevens Institute of Technology Police Department for his assistance to them during an arson investigation in April 2008. That investigation ultimately led to the apprehension and prosecution of an individual who had purposely set a series of fires in a dormitory building on campus. Sheriff’s Officer Slahor has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2001. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sergeant Clayton Arnott was presented with the Sheriff’s Achievement Award in recognition of his tireless dedication and assistance to the Sheriff’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program. Sergeant Arnott began his law enforcement career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. He is currently serving as the sheriff’s office administration sergeant and accreditation manager. Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger was presented with a letter of commendation for his actions during a fatal motor vehicle accident in Hardyston on May 13, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Lunger has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2010. He is currently assigned to the detective bureau. Sheriff Strada congratulated each of the above named recipients and thanked them for their continued service. Award recipients and attendees standing from L-R are Undersheriff Keith Armstrong, Sergeant Clayton Arnott, Captain George Kately, Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines, Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger and Sheriff Michael F. Strada. Seated from L-R are Lieutenant Lawrence Beller, Sergeant John Gray, and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel.

David Korver and Andrea Wehrenberg were recently promoted. < Back Two promoted at Sussex County 911 Communication Center David Korver and Andrea Wehrenberg were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada announced the recent promotions of two public safety telecommunicators at the Sussex County 911 Communication Center. David Korver of Hampton Township was promoted to chief public safety telecommunicator. David, who has eight years of experience after stints as a dispatcher with Hopatcong Borough and Morris County Communications, started working as a public safety telecommunicator for Sussex County in 2011. In 2013 he was promoted to supervisory public safety telecommunicator. Andrea Wehrenberg , also of Hampton Township, was promoted to supervising public safety telecommunicator. Andrea has twenty-two years of experience and previously worked for the Town of Newton as a dispatcher. Both David and Andrea have been instrumental in the opening of the 911 Communication Center. Their experience, dedication and commitment to the sheriff’s organization is clearly evident. They are both well deserving of their promotions. Sheriff Strada stated “We often forget that our telecommunicators are the first ones to receive emergency calls and often times save lives over the phone by giving medical direction to those in need. They all do a terrific job, often times handling extremely stressful emergency calls.” Pictured from left to right: Sheriff Michael F. Strada, David Korver and Andrea Wehrenberg

The shelter will be open for the duration of Hurricane Sandy as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. < Back County shelter to open The shelter will be open for the duration of Hurricane Sandy as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. Previous Next Sussex County Emergency Management Coordinator Sheriff Michael Strada and Sussex County Administrator John Eskilson have announced that the Sussex County Vo-Tech School will be open for any Sussex County resident with sheltering needs. The Vo-Tech school is located on Rt. 94 in Sparta Township and will be opening tonight, October 28, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. Individuals utilizing the shelter are encouraged to bring their own toiletries, medications, blankets and snacks for themselves. We will have meals to provide individuals. The shelter will be domestic animal friendly, however, you will need to bring your own food for your pet and make sure your animals are leashed or in a crate. The shelter will be open for the duration of the storm as well as after the storm to assist our county residents. The shelter will be in operation 24-hours a day staffed by the American Red Cross, the Sussex County CERT team and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Please be safe and be careful.

Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home < Back Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home Previous Next On Thursday, June 20, 2013, while assigned to civil process in the Vernon Township area, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords encountered Robbie Carrier and Derek Hall at Carrier’s residence. While speaking with Carrier at her front door, Officer Swords detected an obvious odor of marijuana. He advised Carrier that he suspected she was in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and asked for her consent to search the residence. Carrier allowed Officer Swords inside and consented to a search. Further investigation revealed Hall and Carrier to be in possession of over 282 grams of marijuana, approximately 1,500 pills of phenobarbital and $2,700 in United States currency. Carrier and Hall were both arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Each was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount in excess of 50 grams, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (prescription legend drugs), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were issued summonses for the violations and given future court dates to appear in Vernon Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray, Sheriff’s Corporal Dan Storey and detectives from the Vernon Township Police Department assisted in the arrests.

Arrested: Joseph S. Selobyt Jr, age 44, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Drunk driver leaves scene of accident, breaks down Arrested: Joseph S. Selobyt Jr, age 44, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, August 29, 2013, Sergeant John Gray observed a severely damaged vehicle which had broken down in the roadway of CR 633 in Hampton Township. Upon speaking with the driver of the vehicle, Joseph S. Selobyt, and then observing him attempt to perform several sobriety tests, Sgt. Gray determined him to be impaired. Further investigation revealed a trail of fluids and vehicular debris which led to the site of a motor vehicle accident on CR 617 in Stillwater Township which Selobyt had fled from before breaking down. Selobyt was arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was charged with the following offenses: reckless driving, driving while suspended, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, failure to report a motor vehicle accident and driving while intoxicated. Selobyt was given a future court date to appear in Wantage-Sussex-Stillwater Joint Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officers Samantha Schilling and Johnny Swords assisted in the arrest.

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.