Arrested: Jennifer Heinzelman, age 28, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Disorderly conduct at county office results in arrest Arrested: Jennifer Heinzelman, age 28, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, April 26, 2011, while assigned to the Division of Social Services offices in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Laver observed Jennifer Heinzelman shouting profanities at one of the staff members. Despite repeated requests for her to control herself, Heinzelman continued to verbally berate the staff. At the staff’s request, Sheriff’s Officer Laver instructed Heinzelman to leave the premises, to which she refused. Sheriff’s Officer Laver then attempted to place her into custody at which point she resisted arrest. Heinzelman was eventually taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. She was given summonses to appear in Newton Municipal Court and released.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. < Back New sheriff’s K-9 team graduates training academy Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. On February 22, 2019, the team of K-9 “Nutmeg,” a one and a half year old bloodhound, and Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young completed an extensive 10-week training program provided by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office comprised of instruction in both canine obedience and human tracking. Speaking during a small gathering at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office last week, Sheriff Strada congratulated Det. Young on her graduation. Said the sheriff, “The effective utilization of competent and well trained K-9 teams is an integral part of successful contemporary law enforcement. To that end, we are pleased to offer the services of K-9 Nutmeg and Sheriff’s Detective Young to the municipal law enforcement agencies of Sussex County.” The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently has three K-9 teams, offering specialized services in both narcotics detection and suspect location.

The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. < Back 2017 Bureau of Corrections awards day The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections held its first annual awards day on March 30, 2017. Bureau of Corrections Awards Day is intended to recognize and commend the actions of both sworn and civilian personnel employed with the Bureau of Corrections who have earned awards and gone above and beyond the scope of their normal duties throughout the last calendar year. This year encompassed a wide variety of recognition across the spectrum, and included some past awardees who have yet had the opportunity to be formally recognized. Among the distinguished guests were Sheriff Mike Strada, Freeholder Sylvia Petillo, Warden Mark Farsi, Undersheriff Lee Liddy, Captain Will Puentes and Captain Larry Beller. Sergeant Anthony Masucci and Officer Richard Cullen led the group in the pledge of allegiance, followed by a thoughtful and inspiring invocation from Deacon Wayne Vondoehren, who volunteers his personal time at the jail for church and spiritual programs devoted to the rehabilitation and support of those incarcerated. Kind words from both the sheriff and freeholder included that corrections staff are subjected to some of the toughest conditions on a daily basis, and that being able to recognize their outstanding efforts on a formal basis is of utmost importance. A segment of Freeholder Sylvia Petillo’s speech reverberated throughout those in attendance when she explained that one of the most prominent aspects she has discovered within the Bureau of Corrections was “pride”—not a selfish type of pride, but a stewardship toward the selfless service that staff, both sworn and civilian, convey on a daily basis, often without recognition or public acclaim. The formal portion of the ceremony was closed by Captain Will Puentes, who thanked all of the attendees, recipients, staff and family members in attendance that made the day possible. Staff, family and friends were warmly welcomed to stay for cake, coffee and pictures following the event. The following are a list of recipients and awards, in order of precedence: Good Conduct Award Awarded to sworn staff members for a consecutive of four years of service without written reprimand or higher discipline. Officer Jose Rivera Corporal Edward Kayal Officer Paul Liobe Officer John Boeren Officer William Martin Community Service Award Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members who devote personal time and energy to a community-based service. Sergeant Erich Olsen Certificate of Appreciation Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members who go above and beyond their normal scope of duties. Tehmina Ali Tehmina goes above and beyond her normal scope of duties for our staff members in the facility, providing fresh cooked meals, mixing up the menu, and often times using her own personal ingredients or items. She is always in great spirits, is a pleasure to work with and a reliable employee. Her work ethic and positivity are recognized and appreciated and we are grateful to have her on our team. Certificate of Achievement Awarded to sworn or civilian staff members for a specific achievement within the scope of their duty to the department or field of law enforcement. Susan McIntyre In March of 2016, Sue McIntyre was able to detect the attempted use of a fraudulent check by an inmate for bail purposes. Her efforts stopped an inmate from possible release. This level of attention to detail reflects great credit upon her work ethic, and reflects positively on our organization as a whole. Honorable Service Medal Awarded for diligence and initiative in the line of duty. Sergeant Andrew Boden Officer Robert Cottrell On May 18, 2016, Sgt. Andrew Boden and Ofc. Robert Cottrell responded to a report of a fire in the laundry area. They assisted Ofc. Blohm in a smoke-filled environment to clear smoke from the building and check for further spread of fire. Both Boden and Cottrell put themselves at risk to help control a situation and prevent the spread of the fire and control the smoke in the building that could have resulted in adverse effects on all employees and inmates in the facility that night. Meritorious Service Medal Awarded for a highly unusual accomplishment, under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life and limb to the nominee or where death or injury to a third party is prevented. Officer Todd Blohm On May 18, 2016, Ofc. Todd Blohm responded to the report of a fire in the laundry area. Ofc. Blohm rushed to the area and made sure the inmate laundry worker was clear from the area. He retrieved a fire extinguisher and returned to the laundry room which was filling with smoke and extinguished the fire. He continued to work on checking that the fire had not spread into other parts of the laundry area as the smoke condition worsened. Ofc. Blohm put himself at risk to help control a situation and prevent the spread of fire and control the smoke in the building that could have had adverse effects on all employees and inmates in the facility that night. Wound Medal Awarded for a wound received in the line of duty, inflicted intentionally, resulting in severe puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures or concussion being suffered by nominee. Sergeant Jeremy Lock Corporal Jason Kimble On June 23, 2016, Sgt. Lock was assaulted by a combative inmate where he sustained major injuries to his face and jaw. Sgt. Lock was able to fight through his sustained injuries and continue to fend off the attack from the inmate until backup arrived and the inmate was finally controlled. Sgt. Lock suffered broken facial bones and had his jaw wired as a result of the punches he sustained during this incident. After requiring facial surgery and months of recuperation, Sgt. Lock returned to his duties in full capacity. On January 11, 2013, while escorting inmate Giuseppe Tedesco at Superior Court for sentencing on a murder conviction, the inmate was required to be restrained after mouthing obscenities to the jurors and making a verbal threat to a member of his victim’s family. While attempting to gain control and remove Tedesco to a holding cell, the inmate continued to violently resist and not comply with verbal orders. The inmate was taken to the floor by officers, resulting in Cpl. Kimble sustaining a head injury and a fractured right fibula. This major injury resulted in months of rehabilitation, with Cpl. Kimble returning to his duties in full capacity. Employee of the Year Awarded for dedication to duty, diligence, professionalism and outstanding representation of the organization. The employee of the years’ service to the department is invaluable and brings credit upon the individual, the Bureau of Corrections, and the Office of the Sheriff. Officer Robert Cottrell Ofc. Cottrell has been employed with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since January 2, 2007, and has been an outstanding officer throughout his tenure. He has also served in the military during his employment with the sheriff’s office. Ofc. Cottrell was the recipient of Employee of the Month for August 2016 for exceptional duty in diffusing an inmate altercation while effectively administering OC spray. His quick actions and professionalism prevented an inmate from becoming seriously injured. Ofc. Cottrell was also recognized for exceptional duty in observing suspicious behavior of an inmate which resulted in the discovery of contraband in the facility. Without Ofc. Cottrell’s attention to detail and outstanding performance, this contraband may have not been discovered, potentially causing harm to an inmate or subsequently a staff member. Ofc. Cottrell is a member of our Special Operations Group and is an integral part of almost every SOG operation. He has assisted in a wide variety of background investigations for applicants and potential new hires and assists with recruit physical training assessments. He has developed a specific fitness plan for several officers to help them throughout their training period prior to the academy. Ofc. Cottrell is one of our most relied upon field training officers and is also heavily relied upon by supervisors to assist in the training process. Ofc. Cottrell is respected by his peers and supervisors alike and is used on many occasions for details of high importance or substantial public visibility. Ofc. Cottrell has valuable insight into corrections-based critical tasks and provides critiques, feedback and departmental integration regarding any training that he attends. Ofc. Cottrell is willing and able to perform above and beyond his call of duty and perform any task he is assigned. On more than one occasion, Ofc. Cottrell has obtained valuable information from inmates, which has assisted the facility in detecting contraband, suspicious and illegal activity. Ofc. Cottrell is an outstanding officer whose positive manner, actions and professionalism reflects greatly upon the Bureau of Corrections and the Office of the Sheriff. Ofc. Cottrell is a great role model for junior officers and an invaluable resource to our team. Sheriff Strada congratulates all of the recipients and looks forward to another successful awards program for both the officers and civilians of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Pictured from left to right: Sergeant Jeremey Lock, Officer Todd Blohm, Officer Robert Cottrell, Corporal Jason Kimble, Sheriff Mike Strada, Susan McIntyre, Freeholder Sylvia Petillo, Tehmina Ali, Officer Jose Rivera, Sergeant Erich Olsen, Sergeant Andrew Boden.

Arrested: Joseph F. Zalewski, age 19, and Mackenzie S. Healy, age 19, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Disabled motor vehicle leads to drug arrest Arrested: Joseph F. Zalewski, age 19, and Mackenzie S. Healy, age 19, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 15, 2012, while on county-wide mobile patrol, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords encountered a disabled motor vehicle on the side of a road in Hampton Township. Sheriff’s Officer Swords pulled over to assist the occupants of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the presence of a quantity of marijuana and a smoking pipe. Both Zalewski and Healy were arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where they were processed and released pending a future court date in Green/Fredon/Hampton/Andover Borough Joint Municipal Court. Joseph Zalewski was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. Mackenzie Healy was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Sussex County Sheriff's Office web site was relaunched the first week in June 2011 after undergoing a complete makeover. < Back Sheriff's new web site makes its debut The Sussex County Sheriff's Office web site was relaunched the first week in June 2011 after undergoing a complete makeover. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office web site was relaunched this week after undergoing a complete makeover. Boasting a monochromatic interface, improved navigation, site-wide search and a translation function for non-English speaking visitors, the web site is brimming with content that gives site visitors unique insight into the sheriff’s office and the services it provides. In addition to expanded information about the day-to-day operations of the office, highlights include foreclosure listings, a news room, concise information regarding rules and regulations for inmate visitation at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility, downloadable/fillable forms for enrollment in community program offerings and a Crime Stoppers page which will shine a spotlight on new or unsolved crimes in the community. The online foreclosure system reflects a renewed focus on streamlining information regarding Sussex County properties that will be put up for sale by the sheriff’s office. Personnel will see to it that this information is continuously updated. The new site also features a section where visitors can check out who’s wanted by law enforcement in Sussex County…and if the urge to help should strike, the site also provides citizens with a quick, easy and anonymous way to submit a tip regarding the whereabouts of a wanted individual. Sheriff Michael F. Strada, who took the helm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office on January 1 of this year, pledged to modernize the organization and open up the lines of communication. By all accounts, the new site embodies that commitment. “I want to get information into the hands of the public and other law enforcement agencies in our county,” Sheriff Strada said. “The web site serves as an important and cost-effective tool for disseminating information.” Lieutenant Dave Rome, the office’s information technology supervisor, worked with the web site developer to ensure that the new site is an informative, relevant and user-friendly resource. “To that end, I feel we were immensely successful,” said Lt. Rome. The site was developed by paviaweb.com , a web site development company based in Morristown, New Jersey.

< Back Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada urges whistleblowers and family members to report senior abuse at nursing homes Previous Next Newton – In the wake of media reports about the dangerous conditions at the Woodland Behavioral Health (the former Andover Subacute II) nursing home, Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada urges whistleblowers and family members to report incidents of senior abuse to use his office’s Crime Stoppers Hotline to report any abuse or improper activity. All calls and reports will remain anonymous and at no time will anyone ask the tipsters name. The hotline’s telephone number is 973-300-CRIME. Reports can also be filed online at www.sussexcountysheriff.com . According to media reports, state health officials have suspended new admissions at the nursing home and it is now the subject of state monitoring. The facility is also facing the possibility of closure by the state. Sheriff Strada has been working with the New Jersey Attorney General’s office on possible incidents of fraud connected with this facility. Sheriff Strada will be forwarding details of the matter to the United States Attorney General’s office, as it appears that it may fall under their purview.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada For Immediate Release 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada Warns the Public of the “Jury Duty Scam” Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada would like to warn the public of a scam commonly referred to as the “Jury Duty Scam”. The caller states that they are calling from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and that there is a warrant out for your arrest for not appearing for jury duty. The caller goes on to state that “you need to pay a $750 cash bond to clear the warrant”. You are then instructed to stay on the phone with the caller and drive to the Sussex County Courthouse. At this time, “a clerk will meet you outside of the courthouse to receive payment”. This is a scam. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will never call you to collect money for missed jury duty. The caller also “spoofs” the caller ID so that the call appears to be coming from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. This is a common practice of scammers so be wary of what appears on your caller ID. They may even know your name and some personal information. Remember, scammers can easily look up information about you on the internet. The scammer is persistent and can be threatening in nature if you challenge them. The best way to avoid this scam is to hang up, and in some cases, keep hanging up. If you have concerns regarding this latest scam, please contact our office at 973-579-0850.

Arrested: Jonathon Sung Back, age 19, of New City, NY. < Back NY man arrested in Sparta for DWI Arrested: Jonathon Sung Back, age 19, of New City, NY. Previous Next On Sunday, August 18, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Sergeant John Gray observed a black BMW, operated by Mr. Back, speeding and failing to maintain his lane on Route 94 in Sparta Township. Sergeant Gray initiated a motor vehicle stop and interviewed Mr. Back. Upon further investigation, Sergeant Gray determined Mr. Back was intoxicated. Additionally, Back was found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Back was arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was issued summonses for DWI, speeding, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, possession of an open container/alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount less than 1/2 ounce, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia Back was given a future court date to appear in Sparta Township Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible party. Sheriff’s officers Samantha Schilling and Johnny Swords assisted in the arrest.

Arrested: James S. Fox, age 22, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Frankford Township motor vehicle stop results in weapon arrest Arrested: James S. Fox, age 22, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, May 17, 2011, while assigned to community policing in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a motor vehicle being operated by James S. Fox failing to maintain its lane of traffic. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty stopped the vehicle and, after observing Fox attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, determined him to be intoxicated. Additionally, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty observed a small handgun in the vehicle. The handgun was later determined to be a small caliber air pump metal BB gun. Further investigation also revealed Fox to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Fox was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. Fox was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 1/2 ounce, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a handgun without a permit, and several motor vehicle offenses. He was given a date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court. During the investigation, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty was assisted by Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski and Sheriff’s Sergeant Ray Loevlie.

Arrested: Angel N. Robles, age 21, of Vernon, NJ < Back Probationer arrested by sheriff’s officer Arrested: Angel N. Robles, age 21, of Vernon, NJ Previous Next On Tuesday, September 3, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Johnny Swords observed Angel N. Robles. Believing Robles to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant, Officer Swords detained him. Upon confirmation of the warrant, Robles was arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Robles was initially lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. He has since been sentenced to serve an additional 30 days in the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP).

Lieutenant Boden serves the Bureau of Corrections. < Back Sergeant Andrew Boden promoted to the rank of lieutenant Lieutenant Boden serves the Bureau of Corrections. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Sergeant Andrew Boden to the rank of lieutenant. For the past 19 years, Lieutenant Boden has been heavily relied upon and has served as an integral part of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Bureau. His knowledge, experience, abilities and interpersonal skills make Lieutenant Boden a great law enforcement officer and a leader. Lieutenant Boden serves the Corrections Bureau on the Special Operations Group, Honor Guard Unit, and HAZMAT teams and has always gone above and beyond his normal scope of duties. Sheriff Strada stated, “Many officers look up to Lieutenant Boden because of his strong leadership skills and his ability to handle personal and professional issues. He always carries his duties out in a respectful, fair, and professional manner.” Sheriff Strada congratulates Lieutenant Boden and wishes him the best of luck in his new capacity.

The Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility was found to be 100% compliant with state requirements. < Back Jail facility gets seal of approval following inspection The Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility was found to be 100% compliant with state requirements. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada is pleased to announce that the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) has found the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility (KDCF) to be 100% compliant with the requirements of the Manual of Standards for New Jersey Adult County Correctional Facilities. The KDCF has a long-standing history of impeccable compliance with these strict standards set forth by the NJDOC. As a result of this inspection, 625 standards were met such as security and control, inmate work program, and training and staff development. The inspection process occurs annually over the course of a three day period. Upon receiving notification from the state of New Jersey, Sheriff Strada noted, “I am proud of the men and women who work in our correctional facility. It is clear that their hard work and professionalism has paid off as we continue to receive high marks and praise from the New Jersey Department of Corrections.”