Arrested: Cory M. Mendola, age 21, of Hampton Township, NJ. < Back Hampton Township man arrested in Fredon for possession of marijuana Arrested: Cory M. Mendola, age 21, of Hampton Township, 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 Sergeant John Gray observed a dark colored 2012 Acura TL driving erratically while traveling along County Route 519 in Fredon Township. Sergeant Gray pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver, Cory M. Mendola. Upon speaking with Mendola, Sergeant Gray immediately detected the obvious odor of marijuana from within the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Mendola to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Mendola was arrested, transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing, and subsequently released. Cory M. Mendola was charged with the following offenses: failure to keep right, possession of marijuana in an amount less than 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. Mendola was issued summonses for the above offenses and given a future court date to appear in Fredon Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer Lew Labar assisted in the arrest.

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 »

Arrested: Michael Maloney, age 34, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Man arrested at the Newton MVC for multiple warrants Arrested: Michael Maloney, age 34, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, April 21, 2011, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission facility in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Shilling encountered Michael Maloney attempting to obtain an identification card. Further investigation by Sheriff’s Officer Shilling revealed the existence of several outstanding municipal court warrants and a Superior Court warrant for Maloney’s arrest. Sheriff’s Officer Shilling immediately took Maloney into custody. Maloney is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in excess of $12,000 bail.

Arrested: Robert J. Slater, age 26, of Ogdensburg, NJ. < Back Man arrested at courthouse after attempting to fake drug test Arrested: Robert J. Slater, age 26, of Ogdensburg, NJ. Previous Next On Monday, March 21, 2011, Robert Slater was arrested by Sheriff’s Officer Johnny Swords after allegedly attempting to defraud the administration of a court ordered drug test. Sheriff’s Officer Swords took Slater into custody and, upon further investigation, discovered an outstanding municipal court warrant against him. Slater was charged with attempting to defraud the administration of a drug test and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility on $25,000 bail.

Arrested: Stephen Honthy, age 39, formerly of Hopatcong and Dawn Stewart, age 49, of Fredon Twp., NJ. < Back Fredon Township woman arrested after harboring fugitive Arrested: Stephen Honthy, age 39, formerly of Hopatcong and Dawn Stewart, age 49, of Fredon Twp., NJ. Previous Next On July 6, 2011, sheriff’s detectives Michael Yanko and Richard Otte were attempting to locate and arrest Stephen Honthy, who was the subject of an outstanding Sussex County Superior Court warrant for contempt. Detectives Yanko and Otte had received information that Honthy was staying at the residence of Ms. Dawn Stewart in Fredon Township. On an earlier occasion, detectives Yanko and Otte had approached Honthy at that location and he had fled from them. At that time, Ms. Stewart had denied Honthy was staying with her. On the afternoon of July 6, detectives Yanko and Otte returned to the Stewart residence and discovered Honthy there. He was immediately taken into custody. Further investigation revealed that Honthy had been residing at the Stewart home for some time. Subsequently, Dawn Stewart was taken into custody for harboring Honthy at her residence. Stewart was charged with obstructing the administration of law and hindering the apprehension of another. She received summonses for both charges and was released pending an appearance in municipal court. Honthy was charged with resisting arrest by flight. He is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility with no bail.

Join the race against crime on September 7, 2013 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Run to be held September 7 Join the race against crime on September 7, 2013 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Join hundreds of runner/walkers and supporters in the race against crime at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 7, 2013. Pre-register by Tuesday, September 3, and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 10K Run. After September 3 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. New this year is “Early Bird” registration—register by July 31, 2013 and pay just $20 for either race. Register for the race at an external web site T-shirts and goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 10K 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. Have questions or need more information about the event? Contact Andy Ball at 973.222.8748. 2013 Supporters and Partners Presented by Thorlabs, Inc. The Alternative Press, LLC Athenia Mason Supply Atlantic Health System Bimbo Bakeries USA Blue Ribbon Restaurant CenturyLink Clear Channel TriState Comet Security CP Engineers, LLC D&H Alternative Risk Solutions Eastern Propane Extreme Energy Solutions, LLC Extreme Off Road, LLC Vanessa Gabriel GBW Insurance Greater Living Foods Hardyston Twp. PBA Local 374 Hoover Truck Centers Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home Jersey Gators Swim Team Lakeland Bank Lazer One Lowe’s of Butler Main Street Laundromat Franklin Assemblywoman Alison McHose Montague Tool The Morville Agency New Jersey Herald NewJersey State Police Senator Steven Oroho The Printing Center PSE&G R&T Nautilus Ronetco Supermarkets Royal Buick GMC St. Clare’s Health System Service Electric Cable Skyland Ice World Sound Motors Inc. Sheriff Michael Strada Sussex County Community College Sussex County Fairgrounds Toyota World and Subaru World of Newton Sponsorship opportunities are still available! If you would like to make a financial contribution or partner with us in this fundraiser, please contact Lt. Larry Beller at 973.579.0865, ext. 2501 for all the details.

Arrested: Salvatore A. Romano Jr., age 49, of Swartzwood, NJ. < Back Suspended driver arrested for possession of CDS Arrested: Salvatore A. Romano Jr., age 49, of Swartzwood, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 17, 2011, while conducting DWI enforcement in Fredon Township, Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray initiated a motor vehicle stop on a car being driven by Salvatore Romano. Further investigation by Sergeant Gray revealed Romano to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine, a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia. Romano was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and charged with the following offenses: possession of a controlled dangerous substance, a crime of the third degree and possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense. Additionally, Romano was issued summonses for driving while suspended, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle and maintenance of lamps. He was given a future court date and released. Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow from the K-9 Unit assisted in the investigation.

The unit is made up of corrections officers. < Back New honor guard formed The unit is made up of corrections officers. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is proud to announce the formation of the first Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Honor Guard Unit . The honor guard unit is a ceremonial unit composed of volunteers who are “guardians of the colors” by displaying and escorting the national flag at ceremonial occasions, parades, funerals and other functions. These corrections officers attended an honor guard boot camp at the Bergen County Police Academy instructed by Captain Kneer of the Fair Lawn Police Department. Their first official detail was at the Branchville Memorial Day Parade. For more information, please contact Sheriff Strada at 973.579.0850 or Undersheriff Wanamaker at 973.579.0875. From left to right: Lieutenant Christopher Lynch, Corrections Officer Joseph White, Corrections Officer Keith Blessing, Corrections Officer Paul Liobe, Corrections Officer Kyle Keller, Corrections Officer Robert Washer, Lieutenant John Bannon and Sheriff Michael F. Strada.

Arrested: Joseph C. Baesler, age 33, of Sussex Boro, NJ and Melody Neale, age 26, of Milford, PA. < Back Couple arrested for outstanding warrants at probation department Arrested: Joseph C. Baesler, age 33, of Sussex Boro, NJ and Melody Neale, age 26, of Milford, PA. Previous Next On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski encountered Joseph Baesler. Knowing him to be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant from Wantage Township Municipal Court, Sheriff’s Officer Galinski immediately took him into custody. While Sheriff’s Officer Galinski was interviewing Baesler, Sheriff’s Sergeant Krista Galante was speaking with Baesler’s girlfriend, Melody Neale. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Neale was also the subject of multiple arrest warrants from Wantage Township Municipal Court. Neale was subsequently taken into custody as well. Joesph Baesler is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $4,250 bail with no 10% option. Melody Neale was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 bail.

Arrested: Steven Moyet, age 27, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back USMC deserter arrested at courthouse Arrested: Steven Moyet, age 27, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, September 5, 2013, while assigned to courtroom security at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer William Ficacci encountered Steven Moyet. Believing Moyet to be the subject of an outstanding federal warrant, Officer Ficacci detained him until the warrant could be confirmed. While waiting for the warrant to be confirmed, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger arrived to assist. Further investigation revealed Moyet had deserted from the United States Marine Corps several months earlier. Upon confirmation of the warrant, Moyet was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Steven Moyet was lodged without bail in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility and he remained there until September 10, 2013, whereupon he was returned to the care and custody of the United States Marine Corps military police.

Corporal Daniel Storey received the recognition from the Knights of Columbus. < Back Local organization names sheriff’s corporal “Officer of the Year” Corporal Daniel Storey received the recognition from the Knights of Columbus. Previous Next Sheriff’s Corporal Daniel Storey has been named 2013 Officer of the Year by the Knights of Columbus, Marquette Council #588 , and was presented with the council’s “shield” award at a May 10, 2013 awards ceremony. Corporal Storey began his law enforcement career as a Class II special police officer in Vernon Township in 1986. He remained in Vernon until 1990, whereupon he accepted a position as a sheriff’s correction’s officer. In 1991, Corporal Storey joined the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement as a sheriff’s investigator, a position in which he continues to serve. A 23-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Corporal Storey has been involved in the child safety seat program, Project Lifesaver and the school walk-through program. He has been a certified D.A.R.E. instructor for over 20 years and has taught over 6,000 Sussex County students throughout his career. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Corporal Storey is very active in the Sussex County community. He serves on the board of the community of his residence where he is involved in several scholarship committees. He is the current chairperson of the Vernon Township Republican Committee and the District 19 committeeman for the Sussex County Republican Committee. He is an active member of the Wanderer’s Car Club. Sheriff Strada congratulates Corporal Storey on his honor and wishes him continued success in his career. Said the Sheriff, “Although every member of the sheriff’s office performs his or her duties in a professional manner, Corporal Storey is an example of the good work that one individual officer can do. I’m happy to see him recognized for his outstanding accomplishments. He is a credit to this agency and Sussex County in general.”

Arrested: Casey Barnett, age 20, of Newton, NJ. < Back Sheriff’s officers arrest woman in Newton Arrested: Casey Barnett, age 20, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, May 23, 2012, sheriff’s officers Darrin McDowell and Matt Maines were attempting to locate and arrest Ms. Casey Barnett, who was the subject of an outstanding Sussex County Superior Court warrant for violation of probation. Sheriff’s officers McDowell and Maines located Barnett within the Town of Newton and arrested her immediately. Casey Barnett is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.