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.

Arrested: Owen R. Cox, age 24, of Andover Boro, NJ. < Back Whoops...burglary suspect leaves driver's license behind Arrested: Owen R. Cox, age 24, of Andover Boro, NJ. Previous Next The sheriff’s office assisted the Andover Township Police Department with the arrest of Owen R. Cox who was initially arrested by police during the early morning hours of Saturday, October 1, 2011 and charged with burglary and assault. Cox had originally fled the scene of that crime before being apprehended at another location within Andover Township. On October 6, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor and K-9 Eggo assisted Andover Township police who had requested a K-9 team to conduct an area search for evidence that may have been discarded by Cox while fleeing from police. The officer and his K-9 searched a swampy wooded area that Cox was believed to have travelled through after fleeing the scene and discovered a pair of discarded sweat pants. Inside the pants pocket, sheriff’s officers located a New Jersey driver’s license issued to Cox. Cox has been charged with burglary, simple assault and second degree robbery with bodily injury. He is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $75,000 bail with no 10% option.

Arrested: Jamie L. Zita, age 26, of Dingmans Ferry, PA. < Back Dingmans Ferry woman arrested for DWI in Frankford Township Arrested: Jamie L. Zita, age 26, of Dingmans Ferry, PA. Previous Next On Saturday, August 31, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide DWI campaign, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a dark colored Honda Civic, operated by Jamie L. Zita, driving in excess of the posted speed limit on CR 655 in Frankford Township. Officer Haggerty pulled the vehicle over and spoke with Ms. Zita. After speaking with her and observing her attempt to perform several sobriety tests, Officer Haggerty determined Zita to be impaired. She was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Zita was charged with the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, speeding, reckless driving and failure to exhibit proof of valid insurance. She was given a future date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling assisted in the arrest.

Three staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. < Back New promotions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement Three staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Lieutenant Lawrence J. Beller , a United State Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm and a 21-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, has been promoted to captain. Captain Beller has been a member of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. In 2005, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to supervise the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. In 2010, he was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to oversee the supervision of the courthouse unit. Following his promotion, Captain Beller has been assigned to oversee the daily operations of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. In addition to being awarded several honors throughout his career, Captain Beller received the Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award in 2011 for his rapid and successful response during a medical emergency at the Sussex County Fair. Captain Beller is a graduate of the 61st Middlesex County Police Academy Basic Police Class and the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Leadership and Supervision course. Sergeant Derek Nerlinger has been promoted to lieutenant. A 1993 graduate of Sparta High School, a United States Army Veteran, and a 15-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Nerlinger began his law enforcement career in 2000 when he was hired as a federal corrections officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The following year, he accepted a position as a sheriff’s officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. In 2008, he was promoted to sergeant and assigned to supervise the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. A recipient of the United States Armed Forces Ribbon as well as the Hurricane Irene Service Ribbon, Lieutenant Nerlinger is a graduate of the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute’s 87th Basic Police Class, the United States Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Leadership and Supervision course, and the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey School of Graduate and Continuing Studies Front Line Supervision Program. Following his promotion, Lieutenant Nerlinger has been assigned to oversee the supervision of the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transportation Unit. Corporal Michael Yanko , a 21-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and a United States Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm, has been promoted to sergeant. He began his career serving in the courts and transportations unit. He was then assigned to the Community Policing/Civil Process Unit. His next assignment was as a detective in the Warrant Unit. Sergeant Yanko served in the Warrant Unit for 13 years. During his assignment in the Warrant Unit, Sergeant Yanko cleared over 9,000 arrest warrants. He also served in the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit (TRU). For the past three years, Sergeant Yanko has been assigned to the Sheriff’s Home Detention Program. Sergeant Yanko is a two-time recipient of the Sheriff’s Achievement Award, Hurricane Irene Service Ribbon and United States Armed Forces Ribbon. He has also received numerous letters of commendations throughout his career. Sgt. Yanko is a graduate of the Morris County Police Academy. Sheriff Strada thanks each of the above members for their service and congratulates them on their new positions.

Arrested: Nelson O. Guerrero, age 21, of Selinsgrove, PA. < Back Pennsylvania man arrested at MVC Arrested: Nelson O. Guerrero, age 21, of Selinsgrove, PA. Previous Next On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling encountered Nelson Guerrero attempting to obtain a New Jersey driver’s license. After observing Guerrero providing MVC staff with false information, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling ran a criminal warrants check for him. That investigation revealed him to be the subject of an out-of-state Superior Court arrest warrant from Pennsylvania. Guerrero was taken into custody and lodged comfortably in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. He is currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. Detective Mike Yanko assisted in the arrest.

Students from the Marian McKeown Elementary School attended the program. < Back Fifth graders graduate from L.E.A.D. Students from the Marian McKeown Elementary School attended the program. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is proud to announce that the 5th grade students from the Marian McKeown Elementary School have graduated from the Sussex County Sheriff’s L.E.A.D. program. Under the direction of Sussex County Sheriff’s Officer Lewis LaBar and 5th grade teachers Mr. Wilpert and Miss Crane, fifty 5th grade students regularly attended weekly classes to graduate. Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) is a community-based program which was founded in 2014 in New Jersey. In Sussex County, the sheriff’s office offers the L.E.A.D. program to area youth through the local schools. The aim of L.E.A.D. is to educate the county’s youth about substance abuse. Its curriculum covers alcohol and drug resistance, violence prevention and anti-bullying. It goes beyond traditional programs, however, as the critical thinking, decision making and interpersonal skills it instills can be used in everyday life. Lessons cover issues such as consequences, pressures, ways to say no, effects of the media, stress, alternatives, conflict resolution and improving self-esteem. These lessons, designed around a problem-solving model, offer a variety of interactive, role-playing and cooperative learning activities, all of which serve to empower kids to recognize and resist the subtle and overt pressures that cause them to experiment with drugs or become involved in violent activities. Sheriff Strada is proud to offer this program in ten schools throughout the county and states “I couldn’t be more proud of the kids that graduated today. Their willingness to learn about making good decisions can affect the rest of their lives and it’s important to their futures.”

Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home < Back Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home Sheriff’s officer arrests couple at Vernon home Previous Next On Thursday, June 20, 2013, while assigned to civil process in the Vernon Township area, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords encountered Robbie Carrier and Derek Hall at Carrier’s residence. While speaking with Carrier at her front door, Officer Swords detected an obvious odor of marijuana. He advised Carrier that he suspected she was in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and asked for her consent to search the residence. Carrier allowed Officer Swords inside and consented to a search. Further investigation revealed Hall and Carrier to be in possession of over 282 grams of marijuana, approximately 1,500 pills of phenobarbital and $2,700 in United States currency. Carrier and Hall were both arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Each was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount in excess of 50 grams, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (prescription legend drugs), and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were issued summonses for the violations and given future court dates to appear in Vernon Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray, Sheriff’s Corporal Dan Storey and detectives from the Vernon Township Police Department assisted in the arrests.