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.

Seniors are invited to attend this free event in Branchville on September 21, 2012. < Back TRIAD law enforcement seminar to be held in September Seniors are invited to attend this free event in Branchville on September 21, 2012. Previous Next On Friday, September 21, 2012, 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 noon with a free continental breakfast included. The seminar will include classes on home security and computer safety and a demonstration by the Sussex County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. Seniors will have the opportunity to meet with 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 Division of Senior Services. Admission is free but pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Terry Kelemen, TRIAD coordinator at 973.579.0888, ext. 2508.

Byram QuickChek armed robbery solved. < Back Tip leads to arrests in Crime Stoppers case Byram QuickChek armed robbery solved. Previous Next As a result of an anonymous call made to the Crime Stoppers hotline, the July 12, 2011 armed robbery of the Byram QuickChek spotlighted on our Crime Stoppers page has led to the arrest of three individuals. A cooperative investigation conducted by the Byram PD and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that the three perpetrators are members of the Blood Stone Villain street gang—James Smith aka “Truth,” the driver; Iben Glenn aka “Eazy” from Elizabeth, NJ, who was the gunman; and Richard Gordon aka “Mutah” from Roselle, NJ. Richard Gordon and Iben Glenn have been charged with robbery, conspiracy and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. James Smith, currently incarcerated at the Yardville State Correctional Facility, will be charged at a later date. Sheriff Michael Strada and Lt. Larry Beller, Crime Stoppers coordinator, would like to extend their thanks to the caller who supplied the tip to the Crime Stoppers hotline.

Sheriff Strada announces promotions < Back Sheriff Strada announces three promotions Sheriff Strada announces promotions Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada February 1, 2024 973-579-0850 Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Kieran McMorrow has been promoted to Lieutenant. A 1992 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a United States Army veteran, and a 24-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant McMorrow began his law enforcement career in 2000 when he was hired as a Corrections Officer by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. That same year, he transferred to a position as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant McMorrow has been assigned to several different units including, The Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sheriff’s Traffic Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT), the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. Lieutenant McMorrow has received numerous awards throughout his career. Lieutenant McMorrow holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He currently serves as a supervisor for the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit as well as the Public Information Officer of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Following this promotion, Lieutenant McMorrow will be assigned to oversee the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. Corporal Joseph Cahill has been promoted to Sergeant. A 1999 Wallkill Valley Regional High School graduate and a United States Army veteran who deployed in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Cahill began his law enforcement career in 2005 when he was hired as a Federal Corrections Officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2007, he accepted a position as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement and was assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), throughout his career, Sergeant Cahill has served in several units including the Detective Bureau, the Home Detention Program, and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Sergeant Cahill holds Associate’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Sussex County Community College. Following his promotion, Sergeant Cahill will be assigned to supervise Sheriff’s Officers assigned to the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transport Unit. Sergeant Bennett Milnor has been promoted to Lieutenant in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. A lifelong Sussex County resident and a 2001 graduate of Lenape Valley Regional High School, Lieutenant Milnor was hired as a Corrections Officer in May of 2003. In January of 2010, he was assigned as the Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP) coordinator where he oversaw the inmate labor program. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December of 2011 and has been a shift supervisor since. In addition to his daily duties, he was responsible for overseeing inmate disciplinary hearings from 2017 through 2019 as well as maintaining the Emergency Operations Plan for the Bureau of Corrections. In July of 2023, he was reassigned to oversee the daily operations of the Bureau of Corrections which include inmate transports from police agencies statewide to the Morris County Jail as well as inmate hospital transports. Sheriff Strada stated “I am proud of these Officers and I congratulate them on their achievements. I have the utmost confidence in their leadership abilities and look forward to working with them.” Left to Right Lieutenant Bennett Milnor, Lieutenant Kieran McMorrow, Sheriff Michael Strada and Sergeant Joseph Cahill

Arrested: Owen R. Cox, age 24, of Andover Boro, NJ. < Back Whoops...burglary suspect leaves driver's license behind Arrested: Owen R. Cox, age 24, of Andover Boro, NJ. Previous Next The sheriff’s office assisted the Andover Township Police Department with the arrest of Owen R. Cox who was initially arrested by police during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 1, 2011 and charged with burglary and assault. Cox had originally fled the scene of that crime before being apprehended at another location within Andover Township. On October 6, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor and K-9 Eggo assisted Andover Township police who had requested a K-9 team to conduct an area search for evidence that may have been discarded by Cox while fleeing from police. The officer and his K-9 searched a swampy wooded area that Cox was believed to have travelled through after fleeing the scene and discovered a pair of discarded sweat pants. Inside the pants pocket, sheriff’s officers located a New Jersey driver’s license issued to Cox. Cox has been charged with burglary, simple assault and second degree robbery with bodily injury. He is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 bail with no 10% option.

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.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada awards officers for exceptional service Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada presented several members of his staff with awards for exceptional service at an awards ceremony held on October 30, 2025. In July, 2025, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office held its inaugural Junior Sheriff’s Academy. The success of this comprehensive program that provided Sussex County youths with valuable instruction in law enforcement, civic responsibility, leadership and personal growth could not have been accomplished without the following officers: Sergeant Joseph Cahill – Exception Duty Medal Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell – Exceptional Duty Medal Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell, Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Khanai Powell Corporal Robert Schilling – Honorable Service Award Corporal Jennifer Vanderwende – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Decker – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer – Honorable Service Award Sheriff Strada, Corporal Jennifer Vanderwende, Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Decker Investigator William Cisko – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff’s Officer Steven Sugar – Sheriff’s Achievement Award Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller, Sheriff’s Officer Trevor Floyd, Sheriff’s Officer Steven Sugar, Investigator William Cisko Detective Michael Scott – Letter of Commendation Detective Nicholas Galvao – Letter of Commendation Detective Justin McCann – Letter of Commendation Corporal James Aumick – Letter of Commendation Corporal Jamie Caravaggio – Letter of Commendation Public Safety Telecommunicator Andrea Wehrenberg – Letter of Commendation Sheriff Strada, Detective Justin McCann, Detective Michael Scott, Corporal James Aumick, Corporal Jamie Caravaggio Sheriff Strada stated: “Their work not only strengthened community trust but also brought public acclaim to this Office and the law enforcement profession”. Recently, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office recognized the need to modernize its duty weapon. Extensive research was conducted, and this resulted in the Sheriff’s Office obtaining a new duty weapon. This new handgun featured advanced features such as a red dot sighting system and weapon mounted flashlight. The following officers were recognized for their work in researching, developing and training with this new handgun. Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti – Honorable Service Award Sergeant John Freykar – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Ken Farber – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Centrelli – Honorable Service Award Investigator William Cisko – Honorable Service Award Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Centrelli, Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti, Investigator William Cisko, Sheriff’s Officer Ken Farber Sheriff Strada acknowledged how proud he was of all of the work the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office perform on a daily basis. He also expressed how supportive our county residents are towards the law enforcement community in Sussex County.

Community Alerts 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. 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. Scan the QR code to sign up of you can use the link HERE. Visit the secure enrollment page to register or update your information Register Ready The state of New Jersey offers a confidential statewide registry for people with disabilities who may need help in the event of a disaster or other emergency. The information is shared with Sussex County’s Division of Emergency Management to help emergency responders locate and safely evacuate people who may find it difficult to help themselves in the event of a major disaster. Providing information before a disaster allows for better planning and managing of resources during an emergency. Rest assured, your information will be held securely and only used for emergency response and planning. Anyone in Sussex County who may find it difficult to self-evacuate because of a physical or cognitive limitation, language barrier or lack of transportation—particularly if family, friends, or caregivers are unavailable to help during a crisis—is encouraged to register with New Jersey’s special needs registry. How to register Individuals with special needs, as well as their families and/or caregivers, can register online at the state’s web site . In order to complete their online form, you must have JavaScript enabled and you will have to temporarily disable any pop-up blockers you may have working in tandem with your browser application. Don’t want the hassle? You can also register by downloading and completing the paper registration form. This form may be filled out on your computer, saved to your hard drive and then submitted to the Sussex County Division of Emergency Management. Complete instructions are included on the first page of the form. Download the Register Ready form

The sheriff’s office will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols from August 16 to September 2, 2013. < Back Crackdown on drunk drivers to begin The sheriff’s office will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols from August 16 to September 2, 2013. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced today that law enforcement officers from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2013 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Beginning August 16 and running through September 2, 2013, law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education. Launched across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the Labor Day holiday period. “Recent surveys indicate that many people harbor the dangerous belief that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road in danger.” In 2012, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 19 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and offers the following advice: If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before you go out. Take mass transit, a taxi, or ask a sober friend to drive you home. Spend the night where the activity is held. Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver. Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver. If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.

The officers spent 15 weeks at the Passaic County Police Academy. < Back Three sheriff’s corrections officers graduate academy with honors The officers spent 15 weeks at the Passaic County Police Academy. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of three sheriff’s corrections officers from the Passaic County Police Academy 45th Basic County Corrections class. The corrections officers spent 15 weeks receiving training and academic instruction in the following courses of study: the administration of justice, emergency medical technician, cardio pulmonary resuscitation, the civil and legal rights of inmates, New Jersey state and penal law, corrections practices and job performance. All three recruits, who excelled during their time in the academy with one receiving academic honors and the other two receiving athletic awards, are currently assigned to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. John Boeren —A 2003 graduate of Pope John High School and a lifelong Sussex County resident, Corrections Officer Boeren holds an associate’s degree in engineering technology from Penn State University. Officer Boeren enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 2009 and continues to serve in that capacity. While attending the police academy, Officer Boeren received the Academic Award for maintaining the highest test average in the class throughout the course of training. Richard Cullen —A 2007 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Corrections Officer Cullen is a lifelong resident of Sussex County. Officer Cullen holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Sussex County Community College as well as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Felician College. While attending college, and in addition to being named to the Dean’s List three times for academic achievement, Officer Cullen also interned with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. While attending the police academy, Officer Cullen received the PT Award for his athletic achievements at all levels of the physical training course. Jeffery Hilbert —A lifelong resident of Sussex County, Corrections Officer Hilbert is a 2010 graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School. Officer Hilbert holds an associate’s degree from Sussex County Community College and is currently attending Felician College. While attending the police academy, Officer Hilbert also received the PT Award for his athletic achievements at all levels of the physical training course. Sheriff Strada congratulates each of the new corrections officers and wishes them continued success in their law enforcement careers.

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.

Overview The Courthouses Sussex County is home to two courthouses—the Sussex County Judicial Center and the historic courthouse. Both buildings are in Newton and each is a stone’s throw away from the other. Judicial Center The Sussex County Judicial Center, opened in 1992, is the main courthouse and located at 43-47 High Street. This is the location of most Superior Court criminal, family and civil matters and where court documents such as motion and filings are obtained. The building is flanked to the south by a public parking complex which serves the main entrance off High Street. Historic Courthouse The “Historic Courthouse” as it is known, is located at 3 High Street and sits prominently on the corner of High and Spring streets overlooking the Square in Newton. This Department of Interior National Registered Historic site is occupied by the Sussex County Surrogates Office and utilized on occasion by the Sussex County Prosecutors office. Some Civil cases are heard in a Courtroom also located here. Security procedures are equally in place and access is available via the High Street entrance. Parking Parking for both locations is available and free at the multi-story parking garage at the Sussex County Judicial Center. If you have an appointment at the Surrogate’s Office, you may park in the designated reserved spots located behind the historic courthouse. Courthouse Security Screening Process All courthouse visitors must pass through a metal detector and have their bags run through an x-ray machine. No weapons, knives, sharp objects or any objects deemed unsafe by sheriff’s officers are allowed into the courthouse. This includes everyday items such as nail files, scissors, knitting needles and pocket knives. If in doubt about something you are carrying with you, please leave it in your vehicle or at home; sheriff’s officers cannot hold onto your items on your behalf while you are in the courthouse. Additionally, no cameras or recording devices are allowed in the courthouse without permission from a Superior Court judge. The courthouses open to the public at 8:30 a.m. Generally speaking, the initial rush of people can sometimes result in a longer wait to enter the facilities. Please plan accordingly to ensure that you make it to your appointment or hearing in time.