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: 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.

Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Woman arrested in Newton on Paterson warrants Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, September 20, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered Natasha McCoy. Officer Cahill believed McCoy to be the subject of an outstanding warrant and subsequently detained her. Further investigation revealed McCoy to be the subject of multiple warrants from Paterson Municipal Court. Officer Cahill immediately arrested McCoy and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Natasha McCoy was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Police seek information about diner vandalism. < Back Crime Stoppers offers $6,000 reward Police seek information about diner vandalism. Previous Next Thanks to the help of an anonymous donor, Crime Stoppers is offering a $6,000.00 reward for information resulting in the conviction of the individual(s) responsible for defacing the Airport Diner in Wantage with swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti on September 16, 2017. Submit an anonymous tip »

Sheriff Strada praises the efforts of those involved in preparing for and assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. < Back Sheriff's office challenged by weather Sheriff Strada praises the efforts of those involved in preparing for and assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Previous Next There is an old adage that warns about relaxing during the calm before a storm. In the days immediately preceding Hurricane Sandy’s attack on New Jersey, however, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office was a virtual hotbed of activity. In anticipation of the storm, Sheriff Strada ordered his deputy emergency management coordinators to meet with the county fire marshal, county administrator, and various other representatives of county government along with all of the police chiefs, fire chiefs, each of the municipal OEM coordinators, and emergency medical service personnel from the first aids squads throughout the county to discuss plans for the county’s coordinated response to Hurricane Sandy. Vacations and leave times for essential personnel were cut short or cancelled outright and the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was proactively placed on generator power to ensure no breaks in emergency communications. Then came the storm. We all know what followed. Trees uprooted or felled throughout the county, structural damage to many homes, main roads closed, approximately 90% of Sussex County without power, residents scrambling for generators, families without water and customers waiting on 3-hour lines for fuel. This was the challenging environment the Sheriff’s Office functioned in during the days which followed. In addition to their regular patrol duties, including checks on the welfare of affected citizens, providing security to both the county jail and Superior Court, and the transportation of certain displaced residents to and from emergency shelters, Sussex County sheriff’s officers were also assigned to the Sussex County EOC from the onset of Hurricane Sandy until the close of recovery operations. At first glance, the EOC looked like a smaller version of NASA’s mission control. Multiple computer terminals, each designated to an operator assigned to a specific task, lined the desks. At each desk, a representative of one of the branches of county government fielded telephone calls and disseminated information to the other branches. To the front of the room, multiple screens provided information regarding relevant news, weather and situational data. Members of the Sheriff’s Office, Sussex County Administrator John Eskilson, along with representatives from the county departments of environmental and public health services, engineering and planning, human services, central and shared services, as well as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), joined liaisons from the utility companies, the American Red Cross and other community professionals involved in preparedness, monitoring, response and recovery. They all filled the room each day to assist in the coordination of the county’s response to Hurricane Sandy. Sheriff’s officers assigned to that post were responsible for handling requests for assistance and material from municipalities and attempting to obtain those materials from the state OEM. Additionally, they assisted in forwarding important topical information to the county to be continuously updated on the Sussex County web site and forwarded road closure and power failure information to representatives from Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL&L). Beginning roughly forty-eight hours after Hurricane Sandy raged through Sussex County, sheriff’s officers, along with law enforcement personnel from several other local police agencies, began patrolling and monitoring gas stations throughout Sussex County to ensure proper distribution of fuel and to prevent civil unrest. Sheriff’s officers remained around the clock at the American Red Cross shelter located at the Sussex County Technical School for the duration of its operation. They were there to supervise the security and safety of the approximately 800 displaced Sussex County residents who had utilized that shelter during the state of emergency. Additionally, sheriff’s officers transported and distributed equipment and supplies to the American Red Cross shelter located at the Hopatcong high school which aided in excess, of 7,000 displaced residents throughout the storm. Sheriff’s officers were also tasked with escorting representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) throughout the county to assess the damage from the storm. As much of the county lost power, the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility was no exception. The jail was without direct power for approximately three days. During that time, sheriff’s corrections officers maintained security, order, and continued the day-to-day operations of overseeing approximately 190 incarcerates with limited back-up power. Throughout the recovery, members of the Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Sussex County OEM continued to distribute ice and water to local OEM coordinators so that it could be distributed to their town’s residents. During the storm and its aftermath, over 13,500 cases of bottled water, 4,370 bags of ice and over 1,200 sandbags were distributed throughout the county for residents in need. Sheriff Strada would like to sincerely thank the following groups for all of their assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Local and county dispatchers, the Sussex County Fire Marshal, township chiefs of police and chiefs of fire departments, municipal OEM coordinators, volunteer fire and EMS personnel throughout the county, elected government officials from the town, county, state, and federal levels, public works departments at both the municipal and county levels, the Sussex County departments of environmental and public health services, engineering and planning, human services, central and shared services, CERT, FEMA, representatives of both local power companies, the volunteers of the American Red Cross, all local and state level law enforcement officers, and the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, bureaus of both law enforcement and corrections.

Sheriff's detectives provided assistance to the Pennsylvania State Police in the investigation of a homicide involving a new born infant. < Back Sheriff's detectives assist PA authorities in homicide investigation Sheriff's detectives provided assistance to the Pennsylvania State Police in the investigation of a homicide involving a new born infant. Previous Next On June 9, 2011, sheriff’s detectives Michael Yanko and Richard Otte were attempting to locate and arrest Ms. Jennifer Barrise, who was the subject of an outstanding Sussex County Superior Court warrant for nonpayment of child support. In the course of their investigation to ascertain Ms. Barrise’s whereabouts, detectives Yanko and Otte paid a visit to the family home of Ms. Barrise’s boyfriend, Christopher Fitzpatrick, in Vernon Township. Based on information acquired from Fitzpatrick’s parents, the detectives learned that Barrise and Fitzpatrick were residing in Lake Ariel, PA. Further investigation led the detectives to suspect Barrise and Fitzpatrick may have been involved in criminal activity related to a newborn child. Detective Yanko immediately contacted investigators at the Honesdale Barracks of the Pennsylvania State Police. The following day, on June 10, as a result of the information furnished by Detective Yanko, the Pennsylvania State Police opened a homicide investigation and subsequently requested investigative assistance within Sussex County from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Michael Tidaback and detectives from the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office assisted Pennsylvania authorities with their investigation in New Jersey. While the matter remains under investigation in New Jersey and no charges—criminal or otherwise—are pending against either party, both Barrise and Fitzpatrick have been arrested and charged by Pennsylvania State Police. Mr. Fitzpatrick has been charged with criminal homicide, concealing the death of a child and abuse of a corpse. Ms. Barrise has been charged with criminal homicide and concealing the death of a child. Both are being held without bail at the Wayne County Correctional Facility in Texas Township, PA.

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

Capt. George Kately and Lt. Lawrence Beller receive recognition in new “Courthouse Kudos” program. < Back Sheriff's personnel honored by New Jersey Judiciary Capt. George Kately and Lt. Lawrence Beller receive recognition in new “Courthouse Kudos” program. Previous Next Capt. George Kately and Lt. Lawrence Beller were recently honored by the Morris/Sussex Vicinage of the New Jersey Judiciary as part of its new “Courthouse Kudos” recognition program. These officers received their honors due to the close collaboration and support they have offered the court, particularly during the days immediately following Superstorm Sandy. Kately and Beller were presented with their respective awards by Superior Court Judge Thomas L. Weisenbeck and Trial Court Administrator Rashad Shabaka-Burns. A 25-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Capt. Kately has been a member of the Sheriff’s Office since 1988. He currently serves as a supervisor of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. An 18-year veteran, Lt. Beller has served as a member of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. He is currently assigned to supervise the Courts and Transportation Unit. Sheriff Strada joins the New Jersey Judiciary in commending these officers.

Arrested: Benjamin J. Reid, age 19, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Traffic stop results in assorted drug charges Arrested: Benjamin J. Reid, age 19, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, December 2, 2011, while conducting traffic enforcement in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty initiated a motor vehicle stop on a car being driven by Benjamin Reid. Further investigation by Haggerty revealed Reid to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia. Reid was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute in an amount less than one ounce (a crime of the fourth degree) and possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense. He was given a future court date and released. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit assisted in the investigation.

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.

This seminar has been cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. < Back TRIAD law enforcement seminar to be held in October This seminar has been cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. Previous Next Cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. On Friday, October 14, 2016 , Sussex County TRIAD will be hosting a law enforcement seminar for seniors at Selective Insurance, 40 Wantage Avenue in the Borough of Branchville from 8 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a free continental breakfast included. The seminar will include classes on senior fraud education and protection, a demonstration by the Sussex County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit as well as other new, informative classes. Seniors will have the opportunity to meet with local law enforcement officers and county personnel to gather information on current crimes affecting seniors, facts to combat unwarranted fear of crime, problems faced by seniors and programs that are offered by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Admission is free but pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Hilary Manser at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

< Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Commissions the Sussex Technical School’s Graphic Arts Class to Design New Logo for Rescue Vehicle Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently called upon the students in the Sussex Technical School’s Graphic Design class to develop a new and modern Sheriff’s Office badge logo for their Polaris All Terrain Rescue Vehicle. Working closely with the Graphic Design teacher, Mr. Steven Styles, the class was able to design and submit multiple entries for Sheriff Strada’s review. Ms. Gabrielle Singer, a graduating Senior from the Sussex Technical School designed the winning submission. “This was a project that I felt was important to the local students as they were able to see their hard work used in a “real life” application” said Sheriff Strada. The Polaris UTV will be used by the Sussex County Sheriff’s office in the event of a rescue in areas of the county that are more difficult to access. Sheriff Strada was able to have the project completed just in time for the class to see the finished product. “I want to thank the students and Mr. Styles for working together with myself and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to create such a great logo” said Sheriff Strada. Pictured From left to right: Aidan Gagg, Courtney Breur, Gabrielle Singer, Kurt Hughes, Mr. Styles