Arrested: Charity Thompson, age 20 and Kevin J. Curran Jr., age 47, both of Newton, NJ. < Back Sheriff’s detective and officer arrest two in Newton Arrested: Charity Thompson, age 20 and Kevin J. Curran Jr., age 47, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Monday, July 29, 2013, while assigned to fugitive apprehension duties, Sheriff’s Detective William Lunger and Sheriff’s Officer Christopher Megna located Charity Thompson and Kevin J. Curran at separate locations within the town of Newton. Thompson and Curran were both the subjects of outstanding Superior Court warrants. Further investigation revealed Thompson was also the subject of an outstanding municipal warrant from Frankford Township Municipal Court. Both were taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where they were lodged without incident. Charity Thompson remains lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,000 bail on the Superior Court warrant and $500 bail on the Frankford Township Municipal warrant. Kevin J. Curran Jr. was released on his own recognizance the following day after appearing before the Hon. N. Peter Conforti, JSC.

< Back PUBLIC NOTICE The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled for an assessment as part of its program to achieve accreditation by verifying that it meets recognized professional best practices. Previous Next Administered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with best practice standards in five basic areas: the administrative function, the personnel function, the operations function, the investigative function, and the arrestee/detainee function. Agency employees and the public are invited to offer comments by calling 973-579-0850 ext. 2107 on Thursday, January 26, 2023 between the hours of 10:00AM and 11:00AM. Comments will be taken by the Assessment Team. Email comments can be sent to the Sheriff’s Office at at carnott@sussexcountysheriff.com . Telephone comments are limited to 5 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. Please contact Captain Clayton Arnott at 973-579-0850 ext. 2522 for more information. Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them by email to Harry J Delgado, Ed.S Accreditation Program Director, hdelgado@njsacop.org , or write to the New Jersey State Association of Chief’s of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission at 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, N.J. 08053.

Arrested: Joseph S. Selobyt Jr, age 44, of Branchville, NJ. < Back Drunk driver leaves scene of accident, breaks down Arrested: Joseph S. Selobyt Jr, age 44, of Branchville, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, August 29, 2013, Sergeant John Gray observed a severely damaged vehicle which had broken down in the roadway of CR 633 in Hampton Township. Upon speaking with the driver of the vehicle, Joseph S. Selobyt, and then observing him attempt to perform several sobriety tests, Sgt. Gray determined him to be impaired. Further investigation revealed a trail of fluids and vehicular debris which led to the site of a motor vehicle accident on CR 617 in Stillwater Township which Selobyt had fled from before breaking down. Selobyt was arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was charged with the following offenses: reckless driving, driving while suspended, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, failure to report a motor vehicle accident and driving while intoxicated. Selobyt was given a future court date to appear in Wantage-Sussex-Stillwater Joint Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officers Samantha Schilling and Johnny Swords assisted in the arrest.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the retirement of K9 Nutmeg < Back K9 Nutmeg Retirement Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announces the retirement of K9 Nutmeg Previous Next K9 Nutmeg, a bloodhound, came to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2018 and quickly became a certified team with Sussex County Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young. Nutmeg is certified in tracking people and is trained to trail a specific scent once the scent is presented to her. The K9 team of Nutmeg and Detective Young were both certified in the State of New Jersey and nationally through the National Police Bloodhound Association. During Nutmeg’s career at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, she responded to over 250 calls for service, both within Sussex County and out of County, even responding to calls in Pennsylvania when needed. She has tracked down criminals, missing persons, Alzheimer’s patients and has had a “lifesaving find”. She has trailed in every form of weather from frigid temperatures to hurricanes to blazing heat. K9 Nutmeg has achieved multiple evidence finds including guns, cell phones and stolen property. K9 Nutmeg enjoyed participating in numerous K9 demonstrations throughout the county for everyone from senior citizens to school age children. Detective Catherine Young stated, "Even after five plus years of working with K9 Nutmeg, she never ceases to impress me. From tracking 2.5 miles straight up a mountain to find her person, to starting a trail off of nothing but a footprint in the mud, she has amazed me time and time again. Proud doesn't even begin to put into words how I feel towards Nutty and the work she's done. It’s been an honor to be on the opposite end of the leash from her." K9 Nutmeg will be retired and will spend the rest of her life with Detective Young. Sheriff Strada would like to thank K9 Nutmeg for her years of service to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as she will be greatly missed by the staff and the citizens of Sussex County. Picture provided: Left to right: Detective Catherine Young, K9 Nutmeg, Sheriff Michael Strada

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.

Arrested: Stacy Spencer, age 48, of Newton, NJ. < Back Warrant arrest in Newton Arrested: Stacy Spencer, age 48, of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, October 24, 2012, while off-duty, Sheriff’s Officer Mike Yanko observed Stacy Spencer in the Town of Newton. Knowing Spencer to be the subject of an outstanding Superior Court arrest warrant, Yanko notified Sheriff’s Communications which verified the warrant and dispatched two officers to apprehend Spencer. Sheriff’s officers Kieran McMorrow and Darrin McDowell encountered Spencer a short time later and immediately placed him under arrest. Spencer was transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he is currently lodged without bail.

The Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility was found to be 100% compliant with state requirements. < Back Jail facility gets seal of approval following inspection The Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility was found to be 100% compliant with state requirements. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada is pleased to announce that the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) has found the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility (KDCF) to be 100% compliant with the requirements of the Manual of Standards for New Jersey Adult County Correctional Facilities. The KDCF has a long-standing history of impeccable compliance with these strict standards set forth by the NJDOC. As a result of this inspection, 625 standards were met such as security and control, inmate work program, and training and staff development. The inspection process occurs annually over the course of a three day period. Upon receiving notification from the state of New Jersey, Sheriff Strada noted, “I am proud of the men and women who work in our correctional facility. It is clear that their hard work and professionalism has paid off as we continue to receive high marks and praise from the New Jersey Department of Corrections.”

Life Saving Award & Two Letters of Commendation < Back Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff Life Saving Award & Two Letters of Commendation Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada May 15, 2025 973-579-0850 Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce several awards and commendations of his staff Life Saving Award : Corporal Jennifer VanDerWende and Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller were given the Life Saving Award for their actions during a medical emergency. These officers quickly administered first aid and stabilized the individual enough so that EMS could transport the individual to the hospital for advanced care. The quick actions of both officers resulted in a life being saved. (left to right), Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Corporal Jennifer VanDerWende, Sheriff’s Officer Kurt Miller Letter of Commendation: As a result of a Crimestoppers tip, Detective Michael Scott was involved in a three-month investigation that resulted in one of the largest CDS seizures in Sussex County history. His dedication to this case involved reviewing hours of surveillance, the application and execution of a search warrants, working together with other law enforcement agencies and he assisted in interviewing and prosecuting the suspects involved. (left to right), Detective Michael Scott, K9 Ace, Sheriff Michael F. Strada Letter of Commendation: Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator Stephanie House, Public Safety Telecommunicators Ashley Hebble, Michael Totaro and Travis Finan were given Letters of Commendation for their work involving a high stress critical incident. These individuals demonstrated their professionalism and dedication to duty stepping seamlessly into their role and they executed their responsibilities without hesitation. (left to right) Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Supervising Public Safety Telecommunicator Stephanie House, Public Safety Telecommunicator Travis Finan, Public Safety Telecommunicator Ashley Hebble, Public Safety Telecommunicator Michael Totaro and Director of Communications Eric Muller Sheriff Strada stated, “I am proud of the work that my staff performs every day without hesitation. It was an honor to recognize these outstanding individuals.”

Do not fall for this latest scam threatening arrest for unpaid debts. < Back Telephone Scam Do not fall for this latest scam threatening arrest for unpaid debts. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada would like to warn residents of a telephone scam targeting Sussex County. Some Sussex County residents have reported receiving telephone calls within the last few days from someone stating they are calling from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. The caller says that you will be arrested if you do not satisfy a particular debt. They give a case number and a call back number. Do not fall for this latest scam. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is not making these calls . If you have received a call threatening arrest by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, please call the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office at 973.383.1570, ext. 4526.

Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. < Back Sheriff honors officers at awards ceremony Personnel were recently recognized by Sheriff Strada for exceptional and meritorious service. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently honored several sheriff’s officers for exceptional and meritorious service in a ceremony held at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Lawrence Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Matthew Maines were presented with the Sheriff’s Lifesaving Award for their efforts in assisting to resuscitate an individual in cardiac arrest in Frankford Township on August 10, 2011. While assigned to monitor parking areas during last year’s New Jersey State Fair, Lt. Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines encountered a man laying face down and unresponsive. They requested advanced medical assistance and began an assessment of the patient’s condition. Beller and Maines checked the man’s pulse, rolled him over, and cleared his airway. When paramedics arrived, Beller and Maines briefed them on the patient’s known condition and assisted as an Automated External Defibrillator was used to “shock” the patient. The man was transported by ambulance to a nearby medical center where he successfully recovered from his injuries. But for the initiative and alert actions of Lieutenant Beller and Sheriff’s Officer Maines, the man may very well have not survived. Lieutenant Beller has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1995. He is currently assigned to supervise the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer Maines has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2009. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar was presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award for his actions in preventing an inmate from committing suicide on January 27, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Freykar has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2005. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Captain George Kately, III and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel were presented with the Sheriff’s Exceptional Duty Award. The Exceptional Duty Award is awarded to those sheriff’s personnel who, as a result of training, devotion to duty, or service to the public, bring acclaim to themselves, the office, or the police profession. Both Captain Kately and Sheriff’s Officer Vogel, each serving as deputy emergency management coordinator alternately, coordinated all Office of Emergency Management resources during Hurricane Irene in August, 2011. Captain Kately has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1988. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sheriff’s Officer Vogel has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1998. Additionally, Sheriff’s Officer Vogel was presented with the Sheriff’s Educational Achievement Award for obtaining a baccalaureate degree in human services from Thomas A. Edison State College. He currently serves as a deputy coordinator of the Division of Emergency Management. Sergeant John Gray was presented with the Honorable Service Award for his actions during a domestic violence assault that occurred in Sandyston Township on February 14, 2011. Sergeant Gray has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 1991 and is currently assigned to supervise the Traffic and Community Policing units. Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor was presented with the Good Conduct Medal and a Department Appreciation Award from the Stevens Institute of Technology Police Department for his assistance to them during an arson investigation in April 2008. That investigation ultimately led to the apprehension and prosecution of an individual who had purposely set a series of fires in a dormitory building on campus. Sheriff’s Officer Slahor has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2001. He is currently assigned to the Court Security and Transportations Unit. Sergeant Clayton Arnott was presented with the Sheriff’s Achievement Award in recognition of his tireless dedication and assistance to the Sheriff’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) program. Sergeant Arnott began his law enforcement career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. He is currently serving as the sheriff’s office administration sergeant and accreditation manager. Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger was presented with a letter of commendation for his actions during a fatal motor vehicle accident in Hardyston on May 13, 2012. Sheriff’s Officer Lunger has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office since 2010. He is currently assigned to the detective bureau. Sheriff Strada congratulated each of the above named recipients and thanked them for their continued service. Award recipients and attendees standing from L-R are Undersheriff Keith Armstrong, Sergeant Clayton Arnott, Captain George Kately, Sheriff’s Officer John Freykar, Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines, Sheriff’s Officer William Lunger and Sheriff Michael F. Strada. Seated from L-R are Lieutenant Lawrence Beller, Sergeant John Gray, and Sheriff’s Officer Mark Vogel.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. < Back New sheriff’s K-9 team graduates training academy Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the recent graduation of a new sheriff’s K-9 team. On February 22, 2019, the team of K-9 “Nutmeg,” a one and a half year old bloodhound, and Sheriff’s Detective Catherine Young completed an extensive 10-week training program provided by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office comprised of instruction in both canine obedience and human tracking. Speaking during a small gathering at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office last week, Sheriff Strada congratulated Det. Young on her graduation. Said the sheriff, “The effective utilization of competent and well trained K-9 teams is an integral part of successful contemporary law enforcement. To that end, we are pleased to offer the services of K-9 Nutmeg and Sheriff’s Detective Young 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 both narcotics detection and suspect location.

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.