Strada recently attended one of the nation’s most respected training opportunities available for sheriffs. < Back Sheriff Strada graduates leadership program Strada recently attended one of the nation’s most respected training opportunities available for sheriffs. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently attended and graduated from the National Sheriffs’ Institute in Aurora, Colorado. This no-cost program is sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA). Sheriff Strada was one of twenty-nine sheriffs from throughout the United States who was chosen to attend this nationally recognized leadership training program. He was the first sheriff in Sussex County to attend and one of only a handful of sheriffs from the state of New Jersey. The week-long training focused on contemporary challenges facing America’s sheriffs today. Attendees explored the role of the local sheriff in providing effective leadership for the public good in such areas as public safety, criminal justice system policy, community relations and organization effectiveness and efficiency. Fred G. Wilson, NSA Director of Operations, said “Sheriff Strada is a leader with a vision for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. It is an honor to have Sheriff Strada join the more than 2,500 graduates of the National Sheriffs’ Institute since 1973. The National Sheriffs’ Institute is the only national executive leadership program designed for sheriffs.”

As sheriff of Sussex County, I would like to welcome you to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office web site. It is my hope that this site will be used as an information resource for the citizens of Sussex County, as well as our visitors worldwide. Michael F. Strada Sheriff of Sussex County Welcome Our Services Important Information Please see below for announcements, information, updates and news you can use Sussex County Warming Centers As the winter months approach, the County of Sussex would like to remind residents that all county libraries will be open as warming centers and charging stations. The Montague Municipal Building will also be available as a warming center/charging station. In addition, the Sparta Police Department is also a 24/7 warming center. Hours of operation for each location are listed HERE . Junior Academy (See the flyer here ) Dear Sussex County Community, After an incredibly successful inaugural Junior Academy, I am excited to announce the Second Annual Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy, scheduled to take place from July 6 to July 10, 2026 at the Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy. This program is designed for our future leaders and is open to Sussex County 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (2026-2027 school year) who are interested in exploring the world of law enforcement and public safety. The Junior Sheriff’s Academy will provide a unique opportunity for up to 40 prospective recruits to engage in a week of hands-on training and educational experiences. Participants will be formally vetted for acceptance to ensure a positive and enriching environment for all involved. Throughout the week, recruits will participate in daily physical training that includes team-building exercises, obstacle courses, and healthy physical activities. In addition to physical training, the curriculum will cover a variety of important topics, including: Law Enforcement Fundamentals Fire Safety First Aid Drug abuse prevention Sheriff’s K-9 Demonstrations Emergency Operations Drone Demonstrations Rescue Task Force Demonstrations North Star Helicopter Medivac Demonstrations 911 Communication Crime Scene Investigation Motor Vehicle Stops This academy aims to inspire and educate our youth about the vital role of law enforcement and public safety in our community. It is an excellent opportunity for young individuals to develop teamwork skills, gain knowledge, and foster a sense of responsibility. Applications for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy will be posted shortly on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office website. I encourage all interested families to keep an eye out for this announcement and to submit applications promptly, as spaces are limited. July 6 through July 10, 2026 Location : Sussex County Public Safety Training Academy 114 Morris Turnpike, Newton, NJ 07860 (across from Sussex County Main Library). Fee : $100 to be collected with application- check or money order payable to: County of Sussex. Payment will not be deposited until after enrollment closure and recruit is accepted into the Academy. Applicants may be County residents entering the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for 2026-2027 school year. Applications available at the Sheriff’s Office or online at www.sussexcountysheriff.com beginning Monday, March 30, 202. Applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis beginning Monday April 7 . Deadline for returning the completed application packet will be Friday, May 8, 2026 . Class size will be limited to 40 Junior Sheriff’s Recruits. Questions regarding this program may be directed to: jracademy@sussexcountysheriff.com Thank you for your continued support of our youth and community initiatives. I look forward to welcoming our future recruits to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Junior Sheriff’s Academy! Sincerely, Michael F. Strada Sussex County Sheriff Watch the Video from last years event 2025 Sussex County Junior Sheriff's Academy Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Sign Up for The Sussex County Mass Notification System Get alerted about emergencies and other important community news. The Sussex County Office of Emergency Management has partnered with ReGroup to alert you about critical information in your area. Severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons and evacuations are examples of the situations where community notifications may be necessary. Scan the QR code to sign up of you can use the link HERE . You can choose to receive these notifications by text, phone call and email when you register. There is no cost to the residence of Sussex County. For additional information email emuller@sussexcountysheriff.com Foreclosure Listings + Learn More Crime Stoppers + Learn More Civil Process Unit The Sussex County Sheriff’s Civil Process Unit is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. The civil office is located at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ in front of the main court house. Appointments for Sheriff’s Office Civil Process Unit business ONLY can be scheduled by e-mail or by phone at 973.579.0850, Ext. 2116 or 2104. All fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to “Sussex County Sheriff.” CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Any court related business must be directed to 862.397.5700. Thank you for your cooperation. + Learn More Compliments And Complaints + Learn More News Room The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled for an assessment as part of its program to achieve accreditation by verifying that it meets recognized professional best practices. Jan 12, 2026 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Nov 14, 2025 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff May 15, 2025 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada is saddened to announce the death of retired K9 Roxi, our narcotics detection Canine, who died unexpectedly on Friday February 28, 2025. Mar 4, 2025 Read More Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Dec 3, 2024 Read More + Learn More WANTED Pittenger Ryan J Age: 43 Sex Height Eyes Race Weight: 200 Hair Warrant: W26-0018 Offense: Contempt Warrant For: Criminal Court - failure to appear Warrant Date: Wed Jan 28 2026 VIEW ALL Contact

Arrested: Marc E. Peterson, age 24, of Frankford Township, NJ. < Back Frankford Township man arrested for driving while intoxicated Arrested: Marc E. Peterson, age 24, of Frankford Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 1:05 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, July 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling was assigned to traffic enforcement within Frankford Township. While patrolling that area, she observed a gold-colored Saturn operated by Marc E. Peterson traveling in excess of the posted speed limit. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, speaking with Peterson, and observing him attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling found him to be intoxicated. Schilling took Peterson into custody and transported him back to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. Peterson was issued summonses for reckless driving, failure to inspect, failure to maintain lane, speeding, open container in a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated. He was released pending a July 14th court appearance in Frankford Township Municipal Court.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sheriff Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme. < Back Sheriff Strada seeks guidance from attorney general on Gov. Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sheriff Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme. Previous Next In a letter to U.S. Attorney General William Barr, Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada laid out his opposition to Governor Phil Murphy’s sanctuary state scheme and to his administration’s attempt to deprive the voters of Sussex County with an opportunity to have a voice in the matter. Sheriff Strada wrote: In response to a growing outcry of concern from their constituents, on April 10, 2019, the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders—the legislative body that represents the people of Sussex County, New Jersey—passed a resolution to place a non-binding public question on the ballot in the county that asks voters to instruct their sheriff on the sanctuary state directive issued by Governor Murphy’s attorney general. The ballot question gives voters a choice to instruct their county sheriff to (1) obey the state directive or (2) follow the laws passed by the Congress of the United States of America, signed by successive presidents of both parties, and upheld by the United States Supreme Court. On May 17, 2019, the Murphy administration—through Attorney General Gurbir Grewal—sent notice to Sussex County Clerk Jeff Parrott that the public question “must not be included” on the ballot in November. It is my understanding that this violates the New Jersey Constitution, which specifically placed elected CONSTITUTIONAL officers (such as the sheriff and county clerk) outside the control of the executive. But more importantly, it is hypocritical to block American citizens from indicating their preference to have their elected officials follow the laws of the United States of America, in favor of compelling them to follow the directives of an appointed state official who is in violation of those laws. Sheriff Strada was clear in his determination to fight the Murphy administration on the sanctuary state issue: On behalf of myself and several members of the freeholder board, I am requesting your guidance in this matter. As the chief law enforcement officer of the United States of America, I believe that law enforcement in New Jersey should be following the federal government in matters of a federal nature. Protecting the borders of the United States, as well as immigration and citizenship (and the criminal laws governing same), are federal matters and not the purview of the states. After all, we are Americans first and foremost, and not the citizens of 50 individual nation-states. For my part, I will continue to fight the Murphy administration on its sanctuary state scheme. I believe it will lead to an expansion of modern slavery—human trafficking and the exploitation of women and children—and of the criminal importation of illegal firearms, narcotics, and opioids. The sanctuary state idea will lead to legal anarchy as well as aiding organized crime and terrorism. It is nothing more than a dangerous and illogical fashion statement. Sheriff Strada was joined by Assemblyman Parker Space (R-24), who lambasted Governor Murphy for his “bullying tactics.” Assemblyman Space said: “On the one hand, Murphy is extending the rights of illegals every week and going further by backing up those so-called rights with taxpayer money and new spending. On the other hand, he is taking away the right to vote from American citizens who live in Sussex County. It is ridiculous and I oppose it.” Freeholder Dawn Fantasia had this to say: “The immigration crisis has led to unprecedented abuse of women and children. The sheriff is right and the people should have the opportunity to vote to ignore a reckless state directive.” Earlier, Freeholder Josh Hertzberg, who began his career as a federal border officer, said the voter initiative was giving the voters the chance of “asking our politicians to follow the law.” Sheriff Mike Strada is in his third term as sheriff of Sussex County. He is a career law enforcement officer who served as a U.S. Army platoon leader in Iraq (Desert Storm). He is married with three children.

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.

Richard Gannon vs Lauren Russell < Back Upcoming sheriff’s sale of assets Richard Gannon vs Lauren Russell Previous Next Docket #FM 19-39-05 Richard Gannon vs Lauren Russell On Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., the following asset will be sold at a public sale on the premises of AA-1 Storage located at 155 Brooks Flat Road, Ogdensburg, NJ: One 2006 Caterpillar 303.5 Excavator, Vin #VDMY00785 This sale was previously scheduled to take place March 12 and then March 15, 2013. All items are sold in an ‘as is’ condition. Purchaser must pay purchase price at the time of sale in cash or certified check made payable to the Sussex County Sheriff and remove the items following the sale. The sheriff reserves the right to adjourn these sales; the foregoing scheduled dates are subject to change. For more information. contact the Civil Process Unit at 973.579.0850.

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.

Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the care, custody and control of all inmates who have been committed to incarceration on Sussex County matters. The Bureau of Corrections has maintained compliance with the standards prescribed by the state for adult county correctional facilities. In the fall of 2019, Sussex County and Morris County entered into a shared service agreement allowing for all Sussex County inmates to be housed at the Morris County Correctional Facility. The Sussex County Bureau of Corrections personnel supervise inmates during transports for admission at the Morris County Correctional Facility, court hearings and medical appointments. The Bureau of Corrections also oversees the SLAP Program, available to certain persons sentenced to a term of imprisonment in which the beneficiaries are local nonprofit organizations and government agencies. The Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP) provides a safe alternative to incarceration for individuals sentenced for non-violent offenses. In lieu of serving time in jail, SLAP program participants perform a wide range of community service throughout Sussex County under the supervision of sheriff’s officers on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

L.E.A.D. Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) is a community-based program which was founded in 2014 in New Jersey. In Sussex County, the sheriff’s office offers the L.E.A.D. program to area youth through the local schools. The aim of L.E.A.D. is to educate the county’s youth about substance abuse. Its curriculum covers alcohol and drug resistance, violence prevention and anti-bullying. It goes beyond traditional programs, however, as the critical thinking, decisionmaking and interpersonal skills it instills can be used in everyday life. Lessons cover issues such as consequences, pressures, ways to say no, effects of the media, stress, alternatives, conflict resolution and improving self-esteem. These lessons, designed around a problem-solving model, offer a variety of interactive, role-playing and cooperative learning activities, all of which serve to empower kids to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in violent activities. The sheriff’s office provides L.E.A.D. instruction to the following Sussex County schools: Frankford Township School Fredon Township School Lafayette Township School Marian E. McKeown School Montague Township School Ogdensburg School Sandyston-Walpack Consolidated School Stillwater Township School Sussex Middle School Wantage Elementary School Are you an educator within Sussex County interested in bringing the L.E.A.D. program to your students? For more information, please contact the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 973.579.0850.

Fire Marshal Fire Marshal/Fire Coordinator: Virgil R. Rome, Jr. Assistant Fire Marshal/Fire Coordinator: James Raperto, Sr. Fire Prevention Specialist: Dan Stoll 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. Standardized Forms Fire Safety Permit Application Non-Life Hazard Use Registration Request for Variance Request for Extension of Time Fire Department Resources »

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: George Meyer, age 59, of Franklin, NJ. < Back Sheriff&'s officers arrest Franklin man at home Arrested: George Meyer, age 59, of Franklin, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, November 29, 2012, sheriff’s officers John Swords and Chris Megna were assigned to warrant apprehension duties. At approximately 9:45 p.m., officers Swords and Megna located George Meyer at his residence. He was the subject of multiple outstanding arrest warrants from local municipalities. Meyer was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he is currently lodged in lieu of $639.00 bail.