Sheriff's Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is the first and oldest established law enforcement agency in Sussex County. The first sheriff was Joseph Brackenridge. He was appointed on November 12, 1753 and served for eleven months. The second sheriff was Morris Robeson who served as sheriff for three years and that has since been the established term of office. Past Sussex County Sheriffs 1753-54 Joseph Brackenridge 1754-57 Morris Robeson 1757-60 Peter Schenck 1760-63 Issaac Hull 1763-66 Ephraim Darby 1766-69 Jacob Stan 1769-72 Hugh Hughes 1772-75 Thomas Potts 1775-79 Philip Dodderer 1779-82 William Kerr 1782-85 Mark Thompson 1785-88 William Kerr 1788-91 James Hyndshaw 1791-94 Mark Thompson 1794-97 James Hyndshaw 1797-97 Charles Pemberton 1797-03 George Bidelman 1803-06 Charles Pemberton 1806-09 John Gustin 1809-12 Ephraim Green, Jr. 1812-15 John Linn 1815-18 Daniel Swayze 1818-21 William Darrah 1821-24 Van Cleve Moore 1824-25 George Mushback 1825-28 Benjamin Hamilton 1828-31 Lewis DeCamp 1831-34 Uzal C. Hagerty 1834-37 Alexander Boyles 1837-40 John Broderick 1840-43 George H. McCarter 1843-46 Andrew Shiner 1846-49 Joseph A. Osborn 1849-52 George H. Neldon 1852-55 Frederick Arvis 1855-58 Richard E. Edsall 1858-61 Peter S. Decker 1861-64 Charles Arvis 1864-67 James Smith 1867-70 Jesse Ward 1870-73 Thomas Simonson 1873-79 William Ross 1879-83 William L. Decker 1883-85 Jacob E. Hornbeck 1885-88 J.T. Kays 1888-91 Henry C. Stoll 1891-94 William J. Williams 1894-97 Peter S. Gunderman 1897-00 Joseph C. Andress 1900-01 John N. Hotalin 1901-06 Joseph C. Andress 1906-08 Judson Kilpatrick Gunn 1908-11 Joseph C. Andress 1911-12 George N. Harris 1912-16 Edward C. Maines 1916-18 William D. Wilson 1918-22 Israel D. Chardavogne 1922-24 Linus B. Littel 1924-27 B.V. Mackerley 1927-29 Peter H. Lanterman 1929-32 Arthur D. Wilson 1932-35 Claude Paddock 1935-38 Sydney Webster 1938-41 Denton J. Quick 1941-44 Russell Van Atta 1944-47 Clarence Hazen 1947-56 James Skok 1956-84 Gerald “Bucky” Willis 1984-89 Fred Cooper 1989-89 Michael Blahut 1989-10 Robert E. Untig 2011- ____ Michael F. Strada

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.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the retirement of K9 Nutmeg < Back K9 Nutmeg Retirement Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the retirement of K9 Nutmeg Previous Next K9 Nutmeg, a bloodhound, came to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 and quickly became a certified team with Sussex County Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young. Nutmeg is certified in tracking people and is trained to trail a specific scent once the scent is presented to her. The K9 team of Nutmeg and Detective Young were both certified in the State of New Jersey and nationally through the National Police Bloodhound Association. During Nutmeg’s career at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, she responded to over 250 calls for service, both within Sussex County and out of County, even responding to calls in Pennsylvania when needed. She has tracked down criminals, missing persons, Alzheimer’s patients and has had a “lifesaving find”. She has trailed in every form of weather from frigid temperatures to hurricanes to blazing heat. K9 Nutmeg has achieved multiple evidence finds including guns, cell phones and stolen property. K9 Nutmeg enjoyed participating in numerous K9 demonstrations throughout the county for everyone from senior citizens to school age children. Detective Catherine Young stated, "Even after five plus years of working with K9 Nutmeg, she never ceases to impress me. From tracking 2.5 miles straight up a mountain to find her person, to starting a trail off of nothing but a footprint in the mud, she has amazed me time and time again. Proud doesn't even begin to put into words how I feel towards Nutty and the work she's done. It’s been an honor to be on the opposite end of the leash from her." K9 Nutmeg will be retired and will spend the rest of her life with Detective Young. Sheriff Strada would like to thank K9 Nutmeg for her years of service to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as she will be greatly missed by the staff and the citizens of Sussex County. Picture provided: Left to right: Detective Catherine Young, K9 Nutmeg, Sheriff Michael Strada

He graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. < Back Sheriff Strada graduates FBI program He graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada has graduated from the FBI National Academy Program’s 260th session held in Quantico, Virginia. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the FBI’s ten week program is a professional development course for U.S. and international law enforcement leaders. In attendance at the 260th session were leaders from 47 states, military organizations and federal civilian organizations with 22 of the students from 20 foreign countries. Its mission is “to support, promote and enhance the personal and professional development of law enforcement leaders by preparing them for complex, dynamic and contemporary challenges through innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, and forging partnerships throughout the world.” Less than 1 percent of law enforcement executives in the country ever receive the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy. As a leader with a proven record as a professional within the law enforcement community, Sheriff Strada considers it an honor and a privilege to have been chosen to attend.

The Office of Emergency Management has put out an advisory regarding the impending winter storm. < Back About the impending winter storm from OEM The Office of Emergency Management has put out an advisory regarding the impending winter storm. Previous Next The Sussex County Office of Emergency Management has been monitoring the approaching storm. We have been in continual communications with the our partners at the National Weather Service in Mt. Holly, NJOEM, JCP&L, Sussex Rural Electric and our twenty-four municipal offices of emergency management. We will continue these communications in an effort to promote situational awareness and provide guidance for countywide planning efforts. A winter storm warning is in effect from 1 PM today until 1 PM on Friday for most of New Jersey and 1 PM today until 1 PM Friday for northernmost New Jersey. Snow accumulation will range from 6 to 10 inches. Impacts Travel will become hazardous late Thursday as snow increases. This will be an increasingly fluffy snow and as winds increase Thursday night, blowing and drifting snow will make travel even more hazardous. Road plowing operations will be greatly affected, especially due to blowing and drifting snow and also snowfall rates near an inch per hour at times during the height of the storm Thursday night. Temperatures 20s to lower 30s Thursday, then dropping into the teens and single digits Thursday night into Friday. Wind Chills The combination of very cold temperatures and gusty winds later Thursday night will create dangerous wind chills ranging from 5 below to 20 below zero. The higher elevations should have the most dangerous wind chills. Humans and animals exposed to these extreme temeratures for any length of time will be in grave danger therefore, outdoor exposure should be minimized if possible. Frozen pipes in unprotected areas and concrete and asphalt pavement cracking can also be expected. Precautionary/Preparedness Actions A winter storm warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected. Heavy snow, blowing snow and dangerously cold wind chills are forecast. Travel will become dangerous. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Due caution should be exercised while traveling on roadways effected by snow accumulation. We will continue to provide updates on our Facebook page

Amnesty runs from Monday, April 28 through Saturday, May 3, 2014. < Back SCSO to participate in Child Support Amnesty Week Amnesty runs from Monday, April 28 through Saturday, May 3, 2014. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is announcing the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s participation in Child Support Amnesty Week. The New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Family Development, in conjunction with the New Jersey Sheriff’s Association, has established a week-long event granting amnesty for defendants who may have failed to comply with the terms of their court-ordered child support payments. Child Support Amnesty Week will be held throughout the state from Monday, April 28 through Saturday, May 3, 2014 . Those individuals who reside in Sussex County and who are currently the subject of outstanding nonsupport warrants may contact the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and arrange to make child support payments without the fear of arrest for non-support. Only those individuals who voluntarily participate in the amnesty program will be afforded this amnesty. If you believe you are the subject of an outstanding child support warrant and wish to be included in the amnesty program, please contact the New Jersey Child Support Center at 877.655.4371 or the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office at 973.579.0888 and ask to speak to a detective to make arrangements to make payments and have the warrant vacated. As always, Sheriff Strada advises any Sussex County resident with an active warrant 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.

Arrested: Jenna A. Agens, age 31, of Newton, NJ. < Back Traffic stop leads to warrant arrest Arrested: Jenna A. Agens, age 31, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, December 19, 2012, while assigned to traffic enforcement within Hampton Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty initiated a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle with an inoperative brake light. While speaking with the operator of that vehicle, Officer Haggerty observed that one of the passengers was a woman he recognized as Jenna Agens. Believing her to be the subject of an outstanding Sussex County Superior Court warrant, Officer Haggerty asked her to confirm her identity. Agens then provided Haggerty with a fictitious name. Further investigation revealed the existence of both a Sussex County Superior Court warrant and several other warrants for her arrest issued by municipalities in Morris County. Officer Haggerty placed Agens under arrest and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Agens was issued a summons for providing false information to a law enforcement officer and given a future court date to appear in Green Township Municipal Court. She is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Join the race against crime on September 17, 2016 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 17 Join the race against crime on September 17, 2016 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 17, 2016 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 17, 2016. Pre-register by September 10 , and the fee is $27 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 10 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. Goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 12K runners/walkers while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top three male and female winners overall, the top three teams and by 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.

Arrested: Caitlyn McKenzie, age 25, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Subject of active warrant arrested at county office Arrested: Caitlyn McKenzie, age 25, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, June 2, 2011, while assigned to the Division of Social Services offices in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines observed Caitlyn McKenzie. Knowing her to be the subject of an active outstanding Superior Court warrant, sheriff’s officers Maines and Matt Caine approached her and placed her under arrest. McKenzie was taken into custody, given a date to appear in Superior Court and released on her own recognizance. Sheriff’s Officer Edmund Galinski assisted in the arrest.

Arrested: Alfred E. Bremel, age 18, of Wantage, NJ. < Back Motor vehicle stop in Frankford results in passenger’s arrest for drugs Arrested: Alfred E. Bremel, age 18, of Wantage, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 28, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a silver colored Dodge sedan failing to maintain its lane while traveling along Haggerty Road in Frankford Township. Officer Haggerty pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver. Upon speaking with the driver, Officer Haggerty immediately detected the obvious odor of marijuana from within the vehicle. Further investigation revealed one of the vehicle’s passengers, Alfred E. Bremel, to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Additionally, Bremel claimed ownership of a quantity of alcohol which was also in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was issued a summons for failure to maintain lane and Bremel was arrested, transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing, and subsequently released. Alfred E. Bremel was charged with the following offenses: possession of alcohol under the legal age, possession of marijuana in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bremel was given a future court date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor assisted in the arrest.