Arrested: Patrick Storey, age 19, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Teenager arrested for DWI in Wantage Township Arrested: Patrick Storey, age 19, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, September 1, 2012, while assigned to traffic enforcement within Wantage Township, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling observed a motor vehicle being operated by Patrick Storey failing to maintain his lane of traffic. Officer Schilling stopped the vehicle and, after observing Storey attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined him to be intoxicated. Storey was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. He was issued summonses for the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and impeding traffic. Storey was released pending a future date to appear in Wantage Township Municipal Court.

Three drug arrests result from the efforts of K-9 Atlas. < Back Sheriff's K-9 assists Hopatcong police at DWI checkpoint Three drug arrests result from the efforts of K-9 Atlas. Previous Next On Friday, December 7, 2012, Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow and his narcotics detection canine “Atlas” were assigned to assist the Hopatcong Police Department at a DWI traffic checkpoint they were conducting. K-9 Atlas searched the exteriors of approximately 25 motor vehicles that drove through the checkpoint that evening. While searching the exterior of three of those vehicles, K-9 Atlas indicated he detected the presence of the odor of narcotics. Subsequent searches of the interiors of those vehicles revealed the presence of controlled dangerous substances in all three cars. A quantity of marijuana was discovered in two of the vehicles and a quantity of crack/cocaine was discovered in the third. All subjects were arrested by Hopatcong police and charged accordingly.

Arrested: Jamie L. Zita, age 26, of Dingmans Ferry, PA. < Back Dingmans Ferry woman arrested for DWI in Frankford Township Arrested: Jamie L. Zita, age 26, of Dingmans Ferry, PA. Previous Next On Saturday, August 31, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide DWI campaign, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a dark colored Honda Civic, operated by Jamie L. Zita, driving in excess of the posted speed limit on CR 655 in Frankford Township. Officer Haggerty pulled the vehicle over and spoke with Ms. Zita. After speaking with her and observing her attempt to perform several sobriety tests, Officer Haggerty determined Zita to be impaired. She was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Zita was charged with the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, speeding, reckless driving and failure to exhibit proof of valid insurance. She was given a future date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling assisted in the arrest.

Arrested: Tonja Stupke, age 47, of Saylorsburg, PA. < Back PA woman arrested for DWI in Frankford Township Arrested: Tonja Stupke, age 47, of Saylorsburg, PA. Previous Next On Monday, March 12, 2012, while assigned to community policing in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray observed a motor vehicle being operated by Tonja Stupke traveling in excess of the posted speed limit. Sergeant Gray stopped the vehicle and, after observing Stupke attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined her to be intoxicated. Stupke was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. Additionally, she was issued summonses for reckless driving and speeding. She was given a date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court and released.

Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 14 Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 14, 2019 Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ Race Start Time: 9:30 a.m. Join hundreds of runner/walkers and supporters in the race against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Pre-register by September 4 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 4 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. New this year is a discounted rate of $10 for students who sign up as a team with their respective community or school sports teams. Goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 12K runners/walkers while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top male and female winners overall as well as to the top three in 10-year age groups. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment after the event. Race proceeds will benefit the Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit corporation funded by contributions from local businesses and citizens at no cost to the taxpayer. Individuals who have information relating to a crime or criminal activity in the Sussex County, New Jersey area can receive up to a $1,000.00 cash reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. Tips may be submitted anonymously via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 973.300.CRIME or online anonymous tip form. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Thorlabs as well as our other participating sponsors. Have questions or need more information about the event? Contact Hilary Manser at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. < Back Cub Scouts tour 911 Communications Center Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently hosted a tour of the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center for Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop. Den leader Brandt Anderson said “Our kids are working on an advancement that requires our troop to examine the resources within their community that are designed to help the community function in a time of need.” Sheriff Strada, along with 911 Communications Director Mark Rozek, took the boys through the Sussex County Communications Center and discussed what happens when you place a 911 call. The kids received a great lesson in emergency services and how it helps the community. Mr. Anderson noted, “We are also incorporating the idea of local heroes. The kids have decided, on their own, that Sheriff Strada and his deputies are the heroes that they feel best serve our township.”

Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. < Back Sergeant named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Previous Next Recently, Sergeant Krista Galante was named the 2018 New Jersey JSMART (Judicial Security Management Response Team) Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. JSMART is a cooperative effort between the 21 sheriff’s offices of New Jersey, the United States Marshals Service, the New Jersey State Police, and the Court & Judicial Security Unit of the state judiciary which is responsible for the provision of a statewide task force to protect the judiciary and the maintenance of a statewide protective intelligence database. Sgt. Galante has been with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2003, serving in both the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Since JSMART’s inception in 2015, Sgt. Galante has been a core committee member, ultimately being named JSMART statewide communications coordinator in 2017, a role in which she still currently serves. Sheriff Strada congratulates Sgt. Galante on her well deserved recognition and wishes her continued success in her career. Sgt. Krista Galante pictured with Robin Morante, State of NJ Superior Court Chief of Court & Judicial Security.

Four recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. < Back Bureau of Corrections recent academy graduates Four recruits successfully graduated from the Morris County Police Academy. Previous Next On April 13, 2017 the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections had four recruits successfully graduate the Morris County Police Academy. Officer Jake Costello is 26 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on April 25, 2016. His educational experience includes a diploma from Vernon Township High School in 2008, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Seton Hall University in 2012. Officer Costello has been in the New Jersey Army National Guard for three years and is currently a sergeant in a cavalry scout unit. He was the class president while in the academy, and also was awarded the Merit Award, Physical Training Award, and Firearms Award. Officer Alyssa Jodexnis is 25 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on December 14, 2015. She has been a great addition to the department and always conducts herself with pride and professionalism. Officer Alexis Cruz is 26 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on December 14, 2015. Her educational experience includes a diploma from Vernon Township High School in 2009. She is a great addition to the department and conducts herself with pride and professionalism. Officer Jennifer Demarest is 30 years old and was hired by the Bureau of Corrections on March 4, 2016. Her educational experience includes a diploma from Sussex County Technical School in 2004, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Felician College in 2013. She is a great addition to the department and conducts herself with pride and professionalism. Sheriff Michael F. Strada congratulates all of the graduates and wishes them the best of luck in their law enforcement careers.

$5,000.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to support cancer prevention, research and education. < Back SCSO raises $5,000 during No-Shave November $5,000.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to support cancer prevention, research and education. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office concluded “No-Shave November” by raising $5,000 for cancer awareness. Over 65 officers and administration participated by forgoing shaving and collecting donations for this worthy charity. The non-profit group, No-Shave November’s mission is devoted to “growing” cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education. Sheriff Michael Strada, who participated as well, said “I am proud of the efforts made by our officers as we had far more participants this year than in the past. I would like to thank those who donated and we look forward to participating and raising more funds next year.”

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 .

Arrested: James Sanford, age 38, of Stanhope, NJ and Torey Posey, age 34, of Newton, NJ. < Back Two warrant arrests in the probation department Arrested: James Sanford, age 38, of Stanhope, NJ and Torey Posey, age 34, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered James Sanford. Knowing Sanford to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court arrest warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill placed him under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Sanford was subsequently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. Later that day, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill encountered Torey Posey. Knowing Posey to be the subject of an active arrest warrant out of Sparta Municipal Court, Sheriff’s Officer Cahill immediately placed Posey under arrest. He was transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and then lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,500 bail.

New officers sworn in, celebrating reading, 8th grade jail tour and active shooter civilian response training. < Back Recent Happenings New officers sworn in, celebrating reading, 8th grade jail tour and active shooter civilian response training. Previous Next New Officers Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada was proud to have sworn in Sheriff’s Officer Peter Vex, Sheriff’s Officer Kenneth Farber, Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer and Sheriff’s Officer William Underwood. Sheriff Strada wishes to congratulate the newest officers and their families as they begin their new careers. Be safe. Read Across America Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada recognizes the role reading plays in our community. He joined Mrs. Shannon Percey’s first graders at Ogdensburg School to read Pete the Cat and celebrate his own love of reading while motivating the children to read. Sheriff Strada realizes reading is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens and books. Thank you Mrs. Percey and the Ogdensburg School for inviting Sheriff Strada to take part in this important event. Jail Tour Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada had the pleasure of addressing a group of Kittatinny Regional High School students from Mr. Anderson’s 8th grade Social Studies class as they began their tour of the Keough Dwyer Correctional Facility. This gave the students the chance to experience their class curriculum first hand. Active Shooter Civilian Response Training Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada and members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office-Special Operations Group were invited to speak on the subject of “Civilian Response/Active Shooter” at the Beemerville Presbyterian Church. Members of the Beemerville Presbyterian Church as well as other churches from throughout Sussex County attended. The attendees were taught the concepts of “Run, Hide, Fight” should they ever be confronted by an active shooter. Sheriff Strada and the instructors emphasized the importance of being aware of your surroundings including exits and identifying objects that can be used to hide or fight. Sheriff Strada would like to thank the Beemerville Presbyterian Church for hosting such an important event.