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Arrested: Brian Rush, age 36, of Montague Township, NJ. < Back Warrant arrest occurs at Montague residence Arrested: Brian Rush, age 36, of Montague Township, NJ. Previous Next On June 24, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty and Sgt. John Gray were assigned to community policing within the Montague Township area. Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty was aware of a Sussex County Superior Court warrant for the arrest of Brian Rush for contempt and was attempting to locate him. Upon receiving information indicating Rush was staying at his parent’s residence, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty and Sgt. Gray visited the home. After a brief investigation, Rush was located and taken into custody without incident. Rush was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail.

< 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’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a donation of body armor. < Back Sheriff’s K9 receives donated vest Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a donation of body armor. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Nutmeg has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Thi s specific vest was sponsored by William Haas of Bloomingburg, NY and embroidered with the sentiment “In memory of Petey and Lucky.” Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. over 3,800 U.S. made, custom fitted, NIJ certified protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $6.9 million dollars. The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate. The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 - $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination via its website or mailed to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

Join the race against crime on September 16, 2017 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 16 Join the race against crime on September 16, 2017 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 16, 2017 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 16, 2017. Pre-register by September 12 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 12 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: 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.

Process Services Announcement : The Sussex County Sheriff’s Civil Process Business Office is located at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ in front of the main court house with business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Appointments can be scheduled by e-mail or by phone at 973.579.0850. All fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to “Sussex County Sheriff.” CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Any court related business must be directed to 862.397.5700. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the processing and service of all Civil documents that originate from the Court system. These include Summons and Complaints, Writs of Execution, Garnishments and Foreclosures. A Sheriff’s Officer will make up to three attempts to execute the document(s), unless otherwise instructed, at which time the item will be returned to the requestor. Additional mileage will be charged regardless of the success of the service. If you need further information or assistance, please contact us at 973.579.0850. Civil Process Fees Mileage Fees Mileage fees are based on mileage from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in Newton to the address of service. A mileage fee for at least three attempts is required at the time of request.

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.

About Administration Under the leadership of Sheriff Michael Strada, the sheriff’s office provides numerous services to the citizens and local police agencies of Sussex County. Professional Standards It is the policy of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to accept and investigate all complaints of alleged officer misconduct or wrongdoing from any citizen or agency employee. Bureau of Corrections The Bureau of Corrections is responsible for the custody and care of incarcerated persons. Bureau of Law Enforcement The Bureau of Law Enforcement represents the enforcement arm of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Its personnel are tasked with carrying out the statutory responsibilities of the sheriff as mandated by the state constitution. Communications Center The Sussex County Sheriff’s Communications Center provides regular dispatch services for the sheriff’s office and serves as a PSAP for enhanced 911 calls. Emergency Management The Division of Emergency Management coordinates the efforts of police, fire, EMS, public works, public health and a myriad of volunteer organizations during emergencies. Fire Marshal The fire marshal supports and facilitates the safety of the general public through fire safety education, supporting fire safety legislation and fire prevention education programs to minimize the loss of property and life. Employment The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office hires employees based on the results of an open competitive law enforcement entry level examination given by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. Sheriff’s Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office came into existence in 1753 and for well over 200 years now, has steadfastly remained committed to serving the residents of Sussex County. .

Sheriff Strada runs down a list of resources available to provide assistance. < Back Resources for homeowners facing foreclosure Sheriff Strada runs down a list of resources available to provide assistance. Previous Next If you are a homeowner experiencing difficulty making your mortgage payments or you are already facing foreclosure, you are not alone. Help is available but you can’t procrastinate or hope the problem will just go away. The further behind you get, the fewer options you may have to save your home or avoid foreclosure. The links which follow can provide assistance to homeowners in distress. New Jersey’s Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) Program The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) was developed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) to deploy federally allocated HAF funds to assist eligible NJ homeowners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. The program will help homeowners bring their mortgages and other housing related expenses current. New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program This program, launched in 2009, gives eligible homeowners access to housing counselors, lawyers and mediators who may help homeowners in foreclosure remain in their homes. It is a partnership of the judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General, the Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Legal Services of New Jersey, the Office of the Public Advocate and the Department of Banking and Insurance. Call toll-free: 1.888.989.5277. Making Home Affordable This program is a component of the Obama administration’s strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market, and improve the nation’s economy. The primary goal is to give homeowners struggling to maintain their home mortgage payments the opportunity to refinance or obtain a loan modification. NJ HomeSaver Program This program provides financial assistance to New Jersey homeowners who have a track record of making their mortgage payments on time but are now at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure as a direct result of unemployment or substantial underemployment. Additional Resources: Loan Scam Alert—What You Should Know Loan Modification Scam Alert Campaign Consumer Alert: Home Mortgage Foreclosures/Subprime Lending Legal Services of New Jersey: Anti-Predatory Lending Project Ten Warning Signs of Abusive/Predatory Lending For Tenants: NJ’s Public Advocate: The Rights of Tenants During Foreclosure

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.

< Back Thank You First Responders Previous Next On behalf of the Sussex County Sheriff's Office and Office of Emergency Management, I would like to thank all of the First Responders who responded and assisted at the plane crash in Hampton Township. Starting with the New Jersey State Police, who with the assistance of their aviation unit, located the plane wreckage in a remote wooded area in Hampton Township. What followed was a large response from multiple agencies. These agencies included but were not limited to the New Jersey State Police, New Jersey State Police Office of Emergency Management, Sussex County Sheriff Office of Emergency Management, Sussex County Fire Marshal Office, Sussex County Haz-Mat team, Hampton Township Fire Department, Stillwater Township Fire Department , Fredon Township Fire Department, Lafayette Fire Department, Ogdensburg Fire Department, Highland Lakes Fire Department, Frankford Fire Department and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. I would also like to recognize and thank the Sussex County Communications Center for ensuring that all the resources that we needed were dispatched to the accident site. Since the wreckage and the victims were located in a remote densely wooded area it made the recovery extremely difficult and challenging. Working in collaboration, the agencies were able to recover the victims and assist the NTSB with the recovery and removal of the aircraft from the woods. The First Responders, almost all of who are volunteers, spent close to 2 days assisting at the accident site. Although we all wish the outcome was better, these volunteers worked tirelessly to recover the victims and the aircraft. As the County Emergency Management Coordinator, it is comforting to know that the volunteers in Sussex County are ready and willing to respond to any emergency that we may face. I thank all of you for your assistance at the crash site and your continued hard work and dedication to your communities. Sincerely, Sheriff Michael Strada Sussex County Emergency Management Coordinator

Arrested: Russell Decker, age 29, of Sussex Borough, NJ. < Back Fugitive jumps out window to evade arrest, captured anyway Arrested: Russell Decker, age 29, of Sussex Borough, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, December 5, 2012, sheriff’s detectives Matt Caine and William Lunger located Russell Decker at his residence in Sussex Borough. Upon hearing detectives Caine and Lunger identify themselves, and correctly surmising there was an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Decker jumped out of a second floor window and ran away from the residence to escape capture. Detectives Caine and Lunger, along with multiple other sheriff’s officers, several New Jersey State Police troopers, and a sheriff’s K-9 unit were deployed to the area but were unable to locate Decker. An additional warrant was subsequently issued for Russell Decker charging him with resisting arrest by flight and obstruction of the administration of law. Five days later, on Monday, December 10, 2012, detectives Caine and Lunger again located Russell Decker at his residence in Sussex Borough. Decker again attempted to evade capture, this time by hiding underneath his bed. Decker was located under the bed and taken into custody. Further investigation revealed a small quantity of marijuana on his person. Decker was issued summonses for resisting arrest and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and given a future court date to appear in Wantage Municipal Court. Decker was transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains lodged in lieu of $10,000 bail with no 10% option.