Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed < Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces that Crimestoppers and the Hopatcong Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of a boat involved in a hit and run accident, which resulted in injuries, along with the suspect boat. On July 11th at approximately 9:40 p.m., while on Lake Hopatcong, the operator of the suspect boat struck the rear of a pontoon boat causing extensive damage, and then fled the scene. The crash happened near the River Styx Cove / Elba Point section of the lake. The suspect boat was last seen heading toward the direction of Halsey Island. The suspect boat was described as a white 20—foot speedboat with damage to the bow. type of boat that was involved in the accident Information or tips can be directed to Crimestoppers by calling 973-300-CRIME or our website here , the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau at 973-663-3400 or the Hopatcong PD at 973-398-5000. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers organization will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. At no time will anyone ask the tipsters name.

Arrested: David Brunt, age 24, of Byram and Chaine D. Brantley, age 33, of Franklin, NJ. < Back Multiple arrests made in probation department Arrested: David Brunt, age 24, of Byram and Chaine D. Brantley, age 33, of Franklin, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar was advised by probation staff that an arrest warrant had been issued for David Brunt. Sheriff’s Officer Freykar located Brunt, placed him under arrest and transported him to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without incident. Also in the probation department, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered Chaine Brantley. Further investigation revealed the existence of two outstanding municipal court warrants issued for Brantley. Sheriff’s Officer Cahill immediately placed her under arrest and processed her before turning her over to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections for transport to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. David Brunt remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. Chaine Brantley was provided with future dates to appear in Trenton and Pemberton municipal courts and released on her own recognizance.

The sheriff addressed a group of over 200 Sussex County seniors at the Older Americans Day celebration. < Back Sheriff Strada attends annual senior event The sheriff addressed a group of over 200 Sussex County seniors at the Older Americans Day celebration. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada addressed a group of over 200 Sussex County seniors recently at the Older Americans Day. The annual event, sponsored by the Sussex County Division of Senior Services, was held at the Selective Insurance offices in Branchville. Sheriff Strada joined other speakers including Terry Kelemen, TRIAD coordinator for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Stephen Gruchacz, human services administrator, Lorraine Hentz, director of senior services, Sussex County Clerk Jeff Parrott, along with Sussex County freeholders Rich Vohden and Sue Zellman. Sheriff Strada addresses seniors at Older Americans Day. The sheriff spoke to the attendees about the Register Ready program. Register Ready is a statewide confidential database that enables individuals with special needs or their caregivers to identify themselves and their needs to emergency responders prior to an emergency. This assists responders in planning to serve them during a disaster or other emergency. Register Ready provides emergency management agencies advance notice of who the people are that are in need of help, what special assistance they may require, and where those people are located. In a critical situation, time is of utmost importance and the ability to pre-plan for those contingencies is invaluable. All information collected is confidential and utilized solely to assist in emergency management planning. By way of example, Sheriff Strada recalled the sheriff’s office’s efforts during the evacuation of areas of Branchville last year as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee flooded areas of the town. The Register Ready program assisted responders in better utilizing available resources that would have otherwise been stretched during a critical time like that. In addition to highlighting the Register Ready program, Sheriff Strada reaffirmed his continued commitment to senior safety and security. He spoke with many of the attendees individually, advising them of the programs the sheriff’s office provides for Sussex County seniors. More info about Register Ready » More info about TRIAD »

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.

The week-long training program, sponsored by the Department of Justice, was held in Aurora, Colorado. < Back Sheriff Strada attends national jail administration program The week-long training program, sponsored by the Department of Justice, was held in Aurora, Colorado. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada recently completed a week long training program on jail administration at the National Institute of Corrections in Aurora, Colorado. The training focused on administrative responsibilities including managing risk, policies and procedures, determining staffing needs, managing the workforce, managing inmate behavior, the external role of the jail administrator, and assessing jail operations. One of just twenty participants from throughout the United States selected to attend this nationally recognized program, Sheriff Strada said it was an honor to be chosen. “Whenever you have an opportunity to attend training at this level, it is invaluable. I was able to learn from the best instructors in the nation. The training and networking enables you to look at your jail operations and see if there is anything that you can change to make sure you are running a safe, efficient, and effective operation.” The National Institute of Corrections is a federal agency within the Department of Justice. It was founded in 1977 and serves as a resource for state and local corrections. Training, transportation and living expenses were paid for by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following hiring within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. < Back Sheriff's Office New Hire Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following hiring within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following hiring within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. At a ceremony held at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office earlier this week, Sheriff Michael F. Strada administered the Oath of Office to our newest employee, Sheriff’s Investigator Thomas Maroney. A 2009 graduate of Vernon Township High School, Investigator Maroney actually began his career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections back in 2016. Following the closure of the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 2019, he accepted a position as a Corrections Officer with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office before ultimately returning to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement as a Sheriff’s Investigator. Investigator Maroney holds an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Sussex County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Centenary College. During his college career, he made Dean’s List every semester in both schools. President of the Criminal Justice Club during his time at SCCC, Investigator Maroney was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. A graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy’s Basic Corrections and Modified Basic Police Classes. While a recruit in the Police Academy, Investigator Maroney won the Emergency Vehicle Operator’s Course (EVOC) Driving Award. Following his swearing-in, Sheriff Strada congratulated Investigator Maroney and wished him the best of luck. pictured left to right – Investigator Maroney and Sheriff Michael Strada

Civil Process About Sheriff’s Sales The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the preparation and auctioning of real property. A foreclosure is a sheriff’s sale of real property. Foreclosure Listings While every effort is made to ensure that these foreclosure listings are accurate and timely, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office does not warrant or guarantee the reliability of same. Process Services Our Civil Process Unit deploys sheriff’s officers throughout the county to handle many types of civil process.

Arrested: Courtney Leigh Devito, age 20, of Andover Township, NJ < Back Andover Township probationer arrested Arrested: Courtney Leigh Devito, age 20, of Andover Township, NJ Previous Next On Tuesday, September 17, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Richard Nikola was advised by probation staff that one of the probationers present that evening, Ms. Courtney L. Devito, was the subject of an outstanding warrant. Officer Nikola detained Ms. Devito until he could confirm the warrant and then placed her under arrest. Devito was subsequently transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Courtney L. Devito was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

Sergeant Erich Olsen was honored for his heroic actions. < Back Sheriff’s officer receives the Meritorious Service Award Sergeant Erich Olsen was honored for his heroic actions. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada was proud to present Sergeant Erich Olsen with the Meritorious Service Award for his heroic actions in coming to the aid of an individual who became trapped in his own burning vehicle beneath the trailer of a truck on Interstate Route 80. Working with bystanders, Sergeant Olsen worked to extinguish the flames and pull the vehicle from beneath the trailer enough to be able to extricate the driver. Sergeant Olsen procured additional fire extinguishers from passing motorists and used them to prevent the flames from engulfing the driver seat area. The driver was transported to a medical facility with serious life-threatening injuries. His actions, under adverse conditions with a high degree of hazard to his own personal safety, prevented the victim from suffering certain death at the scene and provided the best opportunity in surviving the serious injuries inflicted as a result of the accident. Sheriff Strada states, “Sergeant Olsen’s actions were heroic and contributed to saving the man’s life. He brings great credit to this agency and the law enforcement profession as a whole.” Sergeant Erich Olsen (left) and Sheriff Strada.

The sweep, carried out in most New Jersey counties, tracks down parents with outstanding warrants for failure to pay child support. < Back Sheriff’s office arrests 31 in statewide nonsupport sweep The sweep, carried out in most New Jersey counties, tracks down parents with outstanding warrants for failure to pay child support. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada today announced his agency’s recent participation in the New Jersey Statewide Nonsupport Warrant Sweep. The sweep was sponsored by the Sheriff’s Association of New Jersey and was conducted in full cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Family Development, the Office of Child Support Services and the probation divisions of each respective county in the state. Beginning in the early morning hours of Tuesday June, 18, 2013 and continuing through Thursday June 20, 2013, Sussex County sheriff’s officers—with arrest warrants issued by a Superior Court in New Jersey—arrested the following 26 individuals who failed to comply with court-ordered child support payments. An asterisk (*) next to a name denotes that individual has multiple non-support warrants for separate obligations. Defendant Age Residence Amount Owed Melanie Griffiths 36 Vernon $5,263.70 Sereca Thomas 29 Franklin $5,790.26 Jarred Bruce 32 Franklin $18,496.83 Alfred Davidson* 31 Sussex $22,213.28 Frank Mears 46 Newton $8,906.67 Robert Sipila 58 Vernon $3,200.00 Travis Kretzschmar 30 Vernon $3,904.00 Robert Farruggia 51 Netcong $54,043.88 Charles Heddy 41 Allamuchy $24,810.28 Thomas Scherzer 46 Roxbury $51,994.16 Roger Weaver* 45 Roxbury $161,080.58 Michael Burns 46 Sparta $4,124.91 Lisa Ayers 49 Newton $850.34 Vincent Scardino 43 Andover $6,706.76 Daryl Michael 42 Newton $4,311.12 Douglas Potente 27 Vernon $6,086.76 Scott Baker 44 Toms River $2,520.00 David Murphy 50 Branchville $57,347.80 Michael Krajci 43 Franklin $11,884.00 Kevin Smith 58 Sussex $3,364.28 Everett Scott 40 Branchville $649.00 Paula Babcock 52 Hamburg $3,218.17 Maria Brock 48 Vernon $13,796.27 Dustin Storm 39 Sandyston $4,708.74 Brett Hinchman 34 Pequannock $22,259.71 Shannon Cuthbert 26 Atlantic City $2,340.00 An additional five other individuals voluntarily surrendered themselves at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office during the sweep. In terms of overall collections gathered throughout New Jersey, Sussex County was third in the state. Of the 35 warrants served, a total of $33,756.71 was collected. All persons arrested in the sweep were processed and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Those incarcerated were given the opportunity to make a payment of the monies owed in order to be released. If unable to make full payment, they will be rescheduled for a court appearance before a Superior Court judge. At that time, the judge will make a determination regarding the amount of child support that must be paid on a case-by-case basis. Sheriff Strada advises Sussex County residents with an active warrant for nonsupport to be proactive and contact his office to make arrangements for surrender. Additionally, the sheriff asks any member of the public who can provide information that may lead to the arrest of someone who owes child support to contact the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers toll-free tip line at (888) 973-CRIME. Tips may also be submitted online through the Crime Stoppers Online Anonymous Tip Form. Your information can greatly assist the sheriff’s office in enforcing outstanding warrants. If the information you provide leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

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.

This brings the total reward to $6,000. < Back Additional award announced by Sheriff Strada for safe return of missing Seeing Eye dog This brings the total reward to $6,000. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada and the commissioners of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers organization would like to announce the contribution of an additional $1,000 for information leading to the safe return of The Seeing Eye of Morristown’s missing 14-month old puppy-in-training, Ondrea. The Seeing Eye of Morristown previously announced a $5,000 reward for the safe return of Ondrea. Sheriff Strada states, “While this may not currently be considered a “crime,” we feel that if someone has taken her, this additional reward may aid in her safe return.” The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office has a great relationship with The Seeing Eye of Morristown as two of the office’s working K9s were donated to our office. This brings the total reward to $6,000. Sheriff Strada is urging residents to be vigilant in the search for the missing dog but encourages anyone with information to contact The Seeing Eye at 973.525.1084. Tips may be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973.300.CRIME or online anonymous tip form .