< Back Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Hires Five New Officers Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the hiring of five new Sheriff’s Officers in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. At a ceremony held at the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center earlier this week, Sheriff Strada administered the Oath of Office to the following new Sheriff’s Officers. Brian Gallagher A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2011 graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Gallagher attended both Sussex County Community College and Stockton University where he majored in Criminal Justice. An eight year veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard where he continues to serve as a Combat Engineer, Officer Gallagher is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class and holds a Baccalaureate degree from Stockton University in Criminal Justice. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Gallagher will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Jesse Bambrick A 2008 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Bambrick holds an Associates of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Sussex County Community College where he graduated from in 2011. A nine year veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard where he continues to serve as a team leader of an Infantry Squad, Officer Bambrick is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. While attending the Police Academy, Officer Bambrick placed 2nd in Marksmanship amongst his fellow recruits. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Bambrick will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Khanai Powell A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2014 graduate of the Sussex County Technical School, Sheriff’s Officer Powell attended Montclair University where he studied with a major concentration in Psychology and a minor concentration in Criminal Justice, ultimately earning a Baccalaureate Degree. A New Jersey Army National Guard veteran, Office Powell is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. While attending the Police Academy, Officer Powell received the Physical Training Award for demonstrating athletic excellence amongst his peers. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Powell will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Mark Bollmann A 2012 graduate of the Sussex County Technical School, Sheriff’s Officer Bollmann also studied at Sussex County Community College. A nine year veteran of the New Jersey Army National Guard where he continues to serve as a Combat Engineer, Officer Bollmann is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Bollmann will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Justin Bellis A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 2011 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Sheriff’s Officer Bellis also studied at Sussex County Community College. A 10 year veteran of the Frankford Township Volunteer Fire Department where he continues to serve as a Firefighter, Officer Bellis has also previously served as a 911 Operator and Emergency Dispatcher in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center. Officer Bellis is also a graduate of the 96th Morris County Police Academy Basic Police Class. Following a brief period of field training instruction, Officer Bellis will be assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit. Immediately following swearing in the new hires, Sheriff Strada congratulated each of them, welcomed them all to the agency, and wished them success in their careers. Pictured left to right: Sheriff’s Officer Powell, Sheriff’s Officer Bellis, Sheriff Strada, Sheriff’s Officer Bambrick, Sheriff’s Officer Bollmann, Sheriff’s Officer Gallagher

New officers sworn in, celebrating reading, 8th grade jail tour and active shooter civilian response training. < Back Recent Happenings New officers sworn in, celebrating reading, 8th grade jail tour and active shooter civilian response training. Previous Next New Officers Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada was proud to have sworn in Sheriff’s Officer Peter Vex, Sheriff’s Officer Kenneth Farber, Sheriff’s Officer Robert Washer and Sheriff’s Officer William Underwood. Sheriff Strada wishes to congratulate the newest officers and their families as they begin their new careers. Be safe. Read Across America Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada recognizes the role reading plays in our community. He joined Mrs. Shannon Percey’s first graders at Ogdensburg School to read Pete the Cat and celebrate his own love of reading while motivating the children to read. Sheriff Strada realizes reading is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens and books. Thank you Mrs. Percey and the Ogdensburg School for inviting Sheriff Strada to take part in this important event. Jail Tour Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada had the pleasure of addressing a group of Kittatinny Regional High School students from Mr. Anderson’s 8th grade Social Studies class as they began their tour of the Keough Dwyer Correctional Facility. This gave the students the chance to experience their class curriculum first hand. Active Shooter Civilian Response Training Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada and members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office-Special Operations Group were invited to speak on the subject of “Civilian Response/Active Shooter” at the Beemerville Presbyterian Church. Members of the Beemerville Presbyterian Church as well as other churches from throughout Sussex County attended. The attendees were taught the concepts of “Run, Hide, Fight” should they ever be confronted by an active shooter. Sheriff Strada and the instructors emphasized the importance of being aware of your surroundings including exits and identifying objects that can be used to hide or fight. Sheriff Strada would like to thank the Beemerville Presbyterian Church for hosting such an important event.

Civil Process About Sheriff’s Sales The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the preparation and auctioning of real property. A foreclosure is a sheriff’s sale of real property. Foreclosure Listings While every effort is made to ensure that these foreclosure listings are accurate and timely, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office does not warrant or guarantee the reliability of same. Process Services Our Civil Process Unit deploys sheriff’s officers throughout the county to handle many types of civil process.

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.

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.

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: Emmet Emery Norman, Jr., age 49, of Newton, NJ. < Back Newton man arrested for bringing marijuana with him to court Arrested: Emmet Emery Norman, Jr., age 49, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, February 27, 2014, while assigned to the front door security post at the Sussex County Superior Courthouse, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor encountered Emmit Emery Norman. Mr. Norman placed several items from his pockets on top of a table at the security post. Included in those items was a cigarette package containing a small amount of marijuana. As a result, Officer Slahor placed Norman under arrest and escorted him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Emmit Emery Norman, Jr. was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce. He was issued a summons for that charge, given a future court date to appear in Newton Municipal Court, and subsequently released.

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.

Arrested: Daniel J. Marks, age 26, of Wantage Township, NJ. < Back Sheriff's detectives, looking for fugitive, find drugs instead Arrested: Daniel J. Marks, age 26, of Wantage Township, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, July 16, 2014, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties within the Township of Wantage, sheriff’s detectives Matthew Caine and William Ficacci arrived at the suspected residence of a fugitive. Detectives Caine and Ficacci spoke with the owner of that residence who advised them she did not know where the fugitive was located but invited them inside the residence to ask her son. Upon entering the residence to speak with the son, Detective Caine observed several quantities of marijuana as well as packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed the marijuana to belong to Daniel Marks. Marks was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance/marijuana in an amount more than 1 ounce but less than 5 pounds as well as possession of drug paraphernalia. He was issued summonses to appear in court at a future date and released on his own recognizance.

K-9 team graduates from the Bergen County Police Academy K-9 Patrol class. < Back K-9 team graduates training academy K-9 team graduates from the Bergen County Police Academy K-9 Patrol class. Previous Next On January 28, 2011, the team of K-9 Atlas and Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow completed an extensive four month training program comprised of instruction in canine obedience, human tracking, handler protection, and criminal apprehension. Additionally, K-9 Atlas is cross trained as a narcotics detection canine. Sheriff Michael F. Strada recognizes the value of trained K-9 teams as a tool for effective law enforcement and is pleased to offer the services of K-9 Atlas and Sheriff’s Officer McMorrow 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 narcotics detection, explosives detection, and search and rescue.

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.

Join the race against crime on September 8, 2012 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Run to be held September 8 Join the race against crime on September 8, 2012 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Saturday, September 8, 2012 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 8, 2012. Pre-register by Saturday, September 1, and fees are $20 for the 5K Run/Walk and $25 for the 10K Run. After September 1 through race day, fees are $25 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K. 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. 2012 Supporters and Partners Presented by Thorlabs, Inc. Adam Todd Alternative Press of Sussex County Athenia Mason Supply D&H Alternative Risk Solutions Eastern Propane Extreme Energy Solutions Extreme Off Road Glen Vetrano Hardyston Township PBA Local 374 Jersey Gators Swim Team Lakeland Bank Madsen Construction New Jersey Herald The Printing Center R&T Nautilus St. Clare’s Health System Senator Oroho Sheriff Michael Strada Sussex County Community College Sussex County Fairgrounds Sussex County Imports 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.