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Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff: Keith Armstrong The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. The units which comprise the bureau are described in more detail below. Bureau of Law Enforcement Units Canine Unit The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office currently has three working K-9 teams. Each team consists of an officer and a canine which has been specially trained and certified in accordance with guidelines established by the New Jersey Attorney General. K-9 teams are deployed to perform duties such as search and rescue, narcotic and explosive detection, criminal apprehension, evidence recovery, building searches and tracking. The teams are also utilized to prevent the introduction of contraband into the judicial center and the jail. Civil Process Unit The Civil Process Unit carries out the sheriff’s statutory responsibility for the service of process. These legal documents originate from the courts, government agencies and private attorneys and include summons, subpoenas and various writs. The unit is also responsible for the enforcement of court orders such as wage garnishments, evictions, levies and sheriff’s sales . Communications Center The Communications Center provides 24-hour radio communication for the Bureau of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Corrections, Division of Emergency Management and Fire Marshal. It also handles calls after-hours for a number of Sussex County agencies including the road department, health department, prosecutor’s office, HAZ-MAT and medical examiner’s office. Additionally, personnel monitor security cameras and building access points throughout the Sussex County Judicial Center, dispatch personnel, answer phone inquiries from the public and conduct records searches utilizing databases from the NJ Division of Motor Vehicles (NJDMV), NJ Wanted Persons System (NJWPS) and the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Courts and Transportation Unit The Courts and Transportation Unit is responsible for providing security and maintaining a safe environment for all visitors and employees within the Sussex County Judicial Center. Personnel in this unit also handle the transportation and monitoring of inmates to court and other institutions/jurisdictions statewide. Internal Affairs Unit The function of the Internal Affairs Unit is to ensure that all members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office act in accordance with office policies, rules and regulations. All complaints are thoroughly investigated in a fair and impartial manner by a specially trained investigator. Upon completion of an investigation, a confidential report is turned over to the sheriff for his review and disposition. If the investigation shows that a crime may have been committed, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office will be notified. If the investigation finds that a complaint is unfounded, the matter will be closed. Search and Rescue Unit With eight state and federal parks and 15,000 acres of wildlife management areas, Sussex County’s 536 square miles offer an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities. As a consequence, the potential for outdoor emergencies and the need for a rapid response is equally abundant. The Search and Rescue Unit has the skilled personnel and the necessary equipment to launch an effective, rapid and safe search and rescue mission at any time of the day or night, in any type of weather. Traffic Unit The Traffic Unit assists in the enforcement of motor vehicle laws, primarily in Sussex County towns that do not have their own municipal police agencies. Warrant Unit The Warrant Unit is responsible for carrying out criminal investigations and overseeing the execution of Superior Court warrants. These types of warrants include, but are not limited to, violations of probation, non-support failures to obey, failures to appear as well as civil arrest warrants.

Foreclosure Listings Archive Back to Foreclosures Case Number Docket Number Scheduled Sale Date Defendant Plaintiff Attorney Plaintiff Attorney Phone Approximate Judgement Address City Complete Status Buyer Price Upset Plaintiff 22000409 F-006016-21 12/21/2022 Teddy L. Cosgrove Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 6 Mudtown Road Sussex Plaintiff Adjourned to 2/15/2023 PHH Mortgage Corporation 22000405 F-15143-19 12/21/2022 KT NY Group, LLC Leopold & Associates, PLLC (914) 219-5787 30 Lee Drive Highland Lakes Sold to Plaintiff Lendinghome Funding Corporation 100 193000 Lendinghome Funding Corporation 22000408 F-009188-18 12/21/2022 Cynthia Dubis Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 2 Akron Way Hopatcong Sold to 3rd Party Purchaser Christian Vega 207000 207000 Loancare, LLC 22000221 F-012660-19 12/21/2022 James D. Washer, Jr. Schiller, Knapp, Lefkowitz & Hertzel, LLP (518) 786-9069 922 Plymouth Lake Drive Newton Cancelled M&T Bank 22000420 F-003476-19 12/21/2022 Jonathan L. Depue Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 6 Steamboat Drive, Unit 179 Building H-4 Vernon Cancelled U.S. Bank Trust National Association 22000330 F-000607-22 12/21/2022 James Smith, Jr. LOGS Legal Group, LLP (856) 793-3080 19 Indian Field Drive Hardyston Cancelled Wilmington Savings Fund Society 22000403 F-002660-22 12/21/2022 Paul D. Landau LOGS Legal Group, LLP (856) 793-3080 24 West Shore Trail Stockholm Sold to Plaintiff LOGS Legal Group, LLP 100 180000 Wells Fargo Bank, NA 22000410 F-002926-22 12/21/2022 Sean Fritts Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 517 Muscoda Road Highland Lakes Sold to 3rd Party Purchaser MBA Investment Group, LLC 174000 174000 Freedom Mortgage Corporation 22000369 F-4466-20 12/07/2022 Hinkley Auto Sales, Inc. Getler, Gomes & Sutton, PC (845) 533-4475 413 Route 206 Montague Sold to 3rd Party Purchaser Christian Vega 100000 100000 SB One Bank 22000383 F-009252-20 12/07/2022 KT NY Group, LLC Hladik, Onorato & Federman, LLP (609) 840-5000 6 Kohlbocker Road Fredon Sold to Plaintiff Haymarket Insurance Company 100 208000 Haymarket Insurance Company 17001120 F-018163-16 12/07/2022 Doreen Elizabeth Smith Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 33 Maple Parkway Sparta Cancelled Wells Fargo Bank, NA 22000286 F-000503-22 12/07/2022 John M. Doremus Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC (973) 575-0707 11 Lounsberry Hollow Road Sussex Cancelled Mortgage Assets Management, LLC

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office < Back Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada July 1, 2026 973-579-0850 Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following two promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Johnny Swords has been promoted to Lieutenant. A United States Marine Corps veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Lieutenant Swords began his law enforcement career in 2007 when he was hired as a Sheriff's Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff's Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant Swords has served in both the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit and the Sheriff's Special Services Unit. A Certified Fatal Accident Reconstructionist, as well as a Project Lifesaver Technician and Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) Instructor, Lieutenant Swords has been assigned as a Supervisor in Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit since 2022. Lieutenant Swords is a recipient of the Sheriff's Honorable Service Award, The Educational Achievement Award. The Armed Forces Ribbon, The Good Conduct Award, The Grand Cordon Award, the Sheriff's Achievement Award, and the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy Award. Lieutenant Swords also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas A. Edison University. Following this promotion, Lieutenant Swords will be assigned to oversee the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Detective Michael Scott has been promoted to Sergeant. A 2004 Graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, Sergeant Scott began his law enforcement career in 2016 when he was hired as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Sergeant Scott has served in the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit, The Sussex County Narcotics Task Force, the Sheriff’s Special Services Unit, and the K-9 Unit. A certified Field Training Officer, Sergeant Scott is a recipient of the Sheriff’s Exceptional Duty Award, the Good Conduct Award, the Grand Cordon, and the Sheriff’s K-9 Bar. Following this promotion Sergeant Scott will be assigned as a Supervisor in the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Sheriff Michael F. Strada stated "I want to extend my personal congratulations to both Lieutenant Johnny Swords and Sergeant Michael Scott on their well-deserved promotions. Both of these men have consistently demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, leadership, and dedication to this office throughout their careers.” Pictured left to right: Sergeant Michael Scott, Sheriff Michael Strada, Lieutenant Johnny Swords

Get rid of unused/outdated prescription drugs on Saturday, November 12, 2011. < Back Sussex County Prescription Drug Disposal Day Get rid of unused/outdated prescription drugs on Saturday, November 12, 2011. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada has announced that the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the Sussex County Prescription Drug Disposal Day in cooperation with the Center for Prevention & Counseling and the Hopatcong Police Department. Unused or outdated prescription drugs will be collected by sheriff’s officers posted at the Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority (SCMUA) on Saturday, November 12, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The SCMUA is located at 34 South, Route 94 in Lafayette Township. Residents are encouraged to bring all unused or expired over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs for safe disposal such as: drugs that did not work for you, a family member, or pet drugs that are no longer used or from deceased family members unknown tablets or capsules The Hopatcong Police Department is also participating in the program this Saturday and will have a police officer posted at the Medicine Shoppe located at 50 Hopatchung Road in Hopatcong between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more information, please contact the Center for Prevention & Counseling at 973.383.4787.

Police seek information about diner vandalism. < Back Crime Stoppers offers $6,000 reward Police seek information about diner vandalism. Previous Next Thanks to the help of an anonymous donor, Crime Stoppers is offering a $6,000.00 reward for information resulting in the conviction of the individual(s) responsible for defacing the Airport Diner in Wantage with swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti on September 16, 2017. Submit an anonymous tip »

$3,350.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to assist cancer patients and fund education about cancer prevention. < Back SCSO raises over $3,000 during No-Shave November $3,350.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized to assist cancer patients and fund education about cancer prevention. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) was a proud participant in this year’s American Cancer Society “No-Shave November” fundraiser. Throughout the month of November, and with the approval of Sheriff Michael F. Strada, 27 members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement elected to forego their daily shaving routines and donate at least a portion of the amount of money they would have spent on grooming costs to No-Shave November. At the time of this writing, $3,350.00 has been raised by the SCSO and will be utilized by No-Shave November to assist cancer patients and fund education about cancer prevention. Although participation by the SCSO in the fundraiser has ended, the good work the American Cancer Society does continues. For more information regarding donations or volunteering, please visit the American Cancer Society website .

Directions/Map Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility 41 High Street Newton, NJ 07860 From Northern NJ Take Route 80 West to Exit 25 (Route 206 North). Stay on Route 206 North for approximately 11 miles, to Newton. Route 206 North turns into Main Street as you approach downtown Newton. Take Main Street to the end. Turn left at the traffic light onto Spring Street (the square is on the left). From Spring Street, turn left onto High Street. You will see the Sussex County Judicial Center on your right. The jail is located directly behind the center, adjacent to the parking garage. From Trenton and Southern NJ Take the Garden State Parkway to Exit 127 (Route 287 North). From Route 287 North, take Exit 22B (Route 206 North). Proceed with step 2 from the Northern NJ directions above. From Southwest NJ Take the New Jersey Turnpike North to Exit 10 (Route 287 North). From Route 287 North, take Exit 22B (Route 206 North). Proceed with step 2 from the Northern NJ directions above.

Pardon our appearance… < Back SCSO participates in No-Shave November Pardon our appearance… Previous Next The men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement will be participating in a month-long charity fundraiser in conjunction with No-Shave November , a web-based, non-profit organization devoted to growing cancer awareness and raising funds to support cancer prevention, research and education. To participate in No-Shave November, Sheriff Michael F. Strada has approved the temporary relaxing of our grooming standards for the bureau during the month of November. According to their website, the goal of No-Shave November is to grow awareness by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose, and letting it grow; then donating the money typically spent on shaving and grooming to fund education about cancer prevention, saving lives and aiding those who are fighting the disease. Each day, 22,000 people die from cancer worldwide. Nearly half of cancer diagnoses and deaths are preventable. No-Shave November’s mission is to not only raise funds for cancer research and treatment but to educate the population about preventative measures. For over six years, participants around the globe have put down their razors and foregone their hair appointments to join the fight against cancer. The No-Shave November campaign has successfully raised over $3.5 million dollars to combat this disease. Members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement who have donated to No-Shave November and volunteered to grow their facial hair will do so all month long. If you would like to sponsor one of our officers or make a donation yourself, please visit our fundraising page .

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.

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.

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.

Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed < Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers Lake Hopatcong Hit and Run Information Needed Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces that Crimestoppers and the Hopatcong Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the operator of a boat involved in a hit and run accident, which resulted in injuries, along with the suspect boat. On July 11th at approximately 9:40 p.m., while on Lake Hopatcong, the operator of the suspect boat struck the rear of a pontoon boat causing extensive damage, and then fled the scene. The crash happened near the River Styx Cove / Elba Point section of the lake. The suspect boat was last seen heading toward the direction of Halsey Island. The suspect boat was described as a white 20—foot speedboat with damage to the bow. type of boat that was involved in the accident Information or tips can be directed to Crimestoppers by calling 973-300-CRIME or our website here , the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau at 973-663-3400 or the Hopatcong PD at 973-398-5000. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Crimestoppers organization will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminals. At no time will anyone ask the tipsters name.