Arrested: Kenneth Wilkins, age 23, of Branchville, Steven Pierce, age 36, formerly of Stillwater Township and Joseph Selobyt, age 45, of Frankford Township, NJ. < Back Narcotics distributor arrested in Frankford Township Arrested: Kenneth Wilkins, age 23, of Branchville, Steven Pierce, age 36, formerly of Stillwater Township and Joseph Selobyt, age 45, of Frankford Township, NJ. Previous Next On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, members of the Sussex County Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Task Force, accompanied by New Jersey State Police troopers and an officer from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, arrested Kenneth Wilkins and Joseph Selobyt during a motor vehicle stop in Frankford Township. Selobyt, who was already the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant for distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, was also found to be in possession of 60 bags of cocaine weighing approximately 18 grams and 5 grams of raw (uncut) heroin at the time of his arrest. Both Selobyt and Wilkins were transported to the New Jersey State Police barracks in Augusta for processing before being lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Kenneth Wilkins was charged with aiding in the distribution of a controlled dangerous substance. He remains incarcerated at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $100,000 bail with no 10% option. Joseph Selobyt was charged with six separate counts of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance and one count of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to distribute. He remains incarcerated at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $150,000 bail with no 10% option. On Wednesday, March 5, 2014, members of the Sussex County Guns, Gangs, and Narcotics Task Force along with Sussex County Sheriff’s officers conducted additional investigations at Selobyt’s residence. During the course of that investigation, officers discovered additional quantities of cocaine along with packaging materials and other assorted drug paraphernalia. While at that location, officers also discovered Steven Pierce. Further investigation revealed Pierce to be in possession of a quantity of cocaine and a hypodermic syringe. Pierce was subsequently arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) in an amount of less than 1/2 ounce, a fourth degree crime and possession of a hypodermic needle for an unlawful purpose, a disorderly persons offense. Pierce was issued summonses for the above offenses, given a future court date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court, and released on his own recognizance. Upon the discovery of the additional cocaine and packaging materials in his residence, Joseph Selobyt was also charged with maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility. He remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000 bail with no 10% option.

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 »

Capt. George Kately and Lt. Lawrence Beller receive recognition in new “Courthouse Kudos” program. < Back Sheriff's personnel honored by New Jersey Judiciary Capt. George Kately and Lt. Lawrence Beller receive recognition in new “Courthouse Kudos” program. Previous Next Capt. George Kately and Lt. Lawrence Beller were recently honored by the Morris/Sussex Vicinage of the New Jersey Judiciary as part of its new “Courthouse Kudos” recognition program. These officers received their honors due to the close collaboration and support they have offered the court, particularly during the days immediately following Superstorm Sandy. Kately and Beller were presented with their respective awards by Superior Court Judge Thomas L. Weisenbeck and Trial Court Administrator Rashad Shabaka-Burns. A 25-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Capt. Kately has been a member of the Sheriff’s Office since 1988. He currently serves as a supervisor of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. An 18-year veteran, Lt. Beller has served as a member of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. He is currently assigned to supervise the Courts and Transportation Unit. Sheriff Strada joins the New Jersey Judiciary in commending these officers.

Arrested: Benjamin J. Reid, age 19, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Traffic stop results in assorted drug charges Arrested: Benjamin J. Reid, age 19, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, December 2, 2011, while conducting traffic enforcement in Frankford Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty initiated a motor vehicle stop on a car being driven by Benjamin Reid. Further investigation by Haggerty revealed Reid to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana, a digital scale, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia. Reid was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute in an amount less than one ounce (a crime of the fourth degree) and possession of drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense. He was given a future court date and released. Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit assisted in the investigation.

Scott Haggerty, from the Bureau of Law Enforcement, was recently promoted to sergeant. < Back Sheriff’s Detective Corporal Promoted Scott Haggerty, from the Bureau of Law Enforcement, was recently promoted to sergeant. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Sheriff’s Detective Corporal Scott Haggerty to sergeant in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement. A lifelong resident of Sussex County and a 1987 graduate of High Point Regional High School, Sergeant Haggerty began his law enforcement career in May 2003 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Bureau of Corrections. In June of 2004, he was hired as a sheriff’s officer and assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit of the Bureau of Law Enforcement. He remained in this assignment until September of 2006 when he was assigned to the sheriff’s Community Policing Unit. Since August of 2018, Sergeant Haggerty has been assigned to the sheriff’s Detective Bureau where his current duties include background investigations, criminal and civil warrant service and entries, as well as fugitive apprehension. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Sergeant Haggerty is also certified as a hazardous materials technician, a child safety seat technician, and a defensive driving instructor. Throughout his career, he has been a member of the sheriff’s Traffic Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Material Team (HAZMAT), and the County Car Accident Reconstruction Team (CART), as well as the Sussex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Incident Management Team. A life member of the Wantage Township Fire Department, Sergeant Haggerty is also a former fire chief of the department. Earlier this month, Sheriff Strada administered the oath of service to Sergeant Haggerty, congratulated him on his promotion, and wished him continued success in his career. Said the sheriff, “Throughout his career, Sergeant Haggerty has repeatedly displayed the qualities of leadership that are so vital to this position. We look forward to seeing him bring these qualities to his new role as a supervisor.” Sergeant Haggerty is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy Basic Corrections Officer Class and the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute (Police Academy) Basic Police Class. Pictured l to r: Sheriff Strada, Sgt. William Ficacci, and Sgt. Scott Haggerty. Pictured l to r: Sheriff Strada, Sgt. Scott Haggerty, Sgt. William Ficacci, Sgt. John Gray, Sgt. Michael Tidaback.

He passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. < Back SCSO joins county in mourning the passing of Undersheriff Tomasula He passed away following a courageous battle with cancer. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sussex County Sheriff’s Office undersheriff and former Newton police chief John Tomasula following a courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong Sussex County resident, Undersheriff Tomasula began a literal lifetime of public service as a young man when he first joined the Newton Volunteer First Aid & Rescue Squad. Volunteering in this capacity lead him to an opportunity to work as a police dispatcher for the Newton Police Department and then to his eventual hiring as a Newton police officer in 1985. Throughout his service with the Newton Police Department, Undersheriff Tomasula worked in virtually every facet and rank of law enforcement within that agency. From foot patrol, bicycle patrol, detective bureau and community policing, he rose through the ranks ultimately accepting the position of chief of police in 2000, a role in which he served for 10 years until his retirement in 2010. Having assisted in the planning, restructuring and operation of a new police facility and 9-11 communications center during his tenure as chief of police, Undersheriff Tomasula was uniquely suited to the task when, in 2014, Sheriff Strada asked him to assist in the planning and construction of a new countywide 9-11 communications center. Once again, he answered the call to serve and accepted a position as director of communications for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. In this role, he was instrumental in the establishment and continued success of our current Sussex County 9-11 center. He remained 9-11 director until accepting the position of undersheriff of the Bureau of Corrections in 2018. Undersheriff Tomasula continued to serve in this role right up to his untimely passing. Well known and deservedly respected throughout the first responder community in Sussex County, the loss of Undersheriff Tomasula will surely be felt by many. Said the Sheriff, “John was a true leader with unwavering, strength, commitment, and integrity. He will be missed by many but not forgotten.” Sheriff Strada and the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offer our sincerest condolences to the Tomasula family and join all who had the privilege of knowing Undersheriff Tomasula in mourning his passing.

Forty-nine students completed the 10-week program taught by sheriff’s officers. < Back Fredon Township School D.A.R.E. Graduation Forty-nine students completed the 10-week program taught by sheriff’s officers. Previous Next Fredon Township School recently held a graduation for the 49 students who completed the 10-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program taught by Sussex County Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski and Sheriff’s Corporal Dan Storey. The D.A.R.E. curriculum is designed to teach schoolchildren in kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive, drug- and violence-free lives. It is taught by law enforcement officers whose training and experience give them the background needed to answer the sophisticated questions often posed by young students about drugs and crime. Prior to joining the D.A.R.E. program, officers must undergo 80 hours of specialized training in areas such as child development, classroom management, teaching techniques and communication skills. Forty hours of additional training are provided to D.A.R.E. instructors to prepare them to teach the high school curriculum. Each year, the sheriff’s office sends D.A.R.E. trained sheriff’s officers to eight participating schools within the county to teach the program. This year alone, 643 students throughout the county have graduated from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. program. According to the D.A.R.E. America web site , D.A.R.E. has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. D.A.R.E. instructor Sheriff’s Officer Edmund Galinski and his graduating class of students from the Fredon Township Elementary School.

A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. < Back Medical co-pay policy implemented for inmates A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada has announced the recent implementation of an inmate medical co-pay policy at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Effective immediately, all inmates will be charged a ten dollar co-pay to see the physician or dentist. By establishing this co-pay, the sheriff’s office hopes to recoup some funds for medical costs and, more importantly, cut back on sick call abuse. Inmates with no funds available will not be denied visitation to the physician or dentist as state law requires that inmates be provided with healthcare. The sheriff’s office can, however, require an inmate to make this co-payment. It is expected that this new policy will be a money-saver.

Arrested: Alec S. Bloom, age 19, of Andover Township, NJ. < Back Andover Township man arrested at DMV Arrested: Alec S. Bloom, age 19, of Andover Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 7, 2012, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed Alec S. Bloom. Believing Bloom to be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Haggerty began to question him. While they were speaking, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords arrived to assist. Further investigation revealed the existence of three separate municipal court warrants for Bloom’s arrest originating from Hopatcong and Roxbury. Officer Swords immediately took Bloom into custody and transported him to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he was lodged in lieu of $2,750 bail.

The SOG broke the last reported record on the truck pull. < Back Special Operations Group participates in truck pull The SOG broke the last reported record on the truck pull. Previous Next The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Corrections Special Operations Group (SOG) participated in a fundraising event hosted by the Military Transport Association (MTA) in order to raise funds and awareness for local family readiness groups and soldiers in the Army National Guard 143rd Transportation Unit. The event took place on April 23, 2017 as part of a larger swap meet and military vehicle show. One of the event organizers, Randy Emr, a local military supporter and fundraiser with the MTA, was brought to tears seeing the Army, Boy Scouts of America Troop 188, law enforcement, local gyms and general team assemblies come together for laughs and fun in order to support a great cause. The Special Operations Group broke the last reported record on the truck pull with a time of 13.9 seconds to pull the 20,000lb historic military truck a distance of 100 feet. The previous record was around the 16 second range, states Randy Emr. The Boy Scouts came in as a very close second with a time of 15.4 seconds with a little help from a couple of their friends in SOG who tactically inserted themselves behind the truck for a boost. Mark Farsi, warden of the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility, cordially invites any other law enforcement teams to come and try to take the trophy next year, all in the name of camaraderie and a good cause. Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada thanks our service members, veterans, their families and the event organizers for allowing the sheriff’s office to be part of a great event in support of the community. Warden Mark Farsi, surrounded by members of the SOG team and members of the military, holds up the trophy.

This seminar has been cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. < Back TRIAD law enforcement seminar to be held in October This seminar has been cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. Previous Next Cancelled due to lower than usual attendance this year. On Friday, October 14, 2016 , Sussex County TRIAD will be hosting a law enforcement seminar for seniors at Selective Insurance, 40 Wantage Avenue in the Borough of Branchville from 8 a.m. to 12:00 noon with a free continental breakfast included. The seminar will include classes on senior fraud education and protection, a demonstration by the Sussex County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit as well as other new, informative classes. Seniors will have the opportunity to meet with local law enforcement officers and county personnel to gather information on current crimes affecting seniors, facts to combat unwarranted fear of crime, problems faced by seniors and programs that are offered by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Admission is free but pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Hilary Manser at 973.579.0850, ext. 2114.

Training exercises were successfully carried out at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. < Back Sussex County Jail personnel perform evacuation drills Training exercises were successfully carried out at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Previous Next Three separate rapid evacuation exercises were conducted at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility during the month of June. Designed to simulate conditions that might occur during an actual emergency at the jail, the exercises enhanced the training of all bureau of corrections personnel and prepared them should an actual evacuation become necessary. A different training scenario—ranging from explosives threats to emergent fire and smoke conditions—was carried out during each shift. Inmates were evacuated from their respective housing units, relocated to a safe and secure holding area, secured with wrist restraints and subsequently prepared for possible transport to another housing unit or separate facility. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections maintains reciprocal agreements with a number of neighboring counties to house inmates in their facilities in the event of an emergency. During an actual emergency, Sussex County inmates may be transferred to correctional facilities in one or more of those counties. All three exercises, each of which lasted approximately 40 minutes, were successful and all inmates were safely evacuated in a timely fashion without any injuries or problems. The evacuations were a cooperative effort between the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Law Enforcement, the New Jersey State Police and the Newton Police Department.