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Correction's Sergeant Will Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was recently promoted to lieutenant. < Back Corrections sergeant promoted to lieutenant Correction's Sergeant Will Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was recently promoted to lieutenant. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the promotion of Correction’s Sergeant Will Puentes to Correction’s Lieutenant. Lt. Puentes, a 16-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections, began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 1995. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004 and assigned to supervise the midnight shift. A member of the Sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit, Lt. Puentes is a graduate of the New Jersey State Department of Corrections Academy and holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Monmouth University. Commenting on Lt. Puentes’ leadership qualities at the swearing-in ceremony, Sheriff Strada cited Puentes’ exemplary employment history and past supervisory performance as a catalyst in his decision to promote him. “It will be a pleasure having him serve the people of Sussex County and the office of the sheriff. His dedication and chosen career path in the corrections field have shown him to be a conscientious, eager and valuable employee.” Sheriff Strada offered congratulations to Lieutenant Puentes and stated that he knows that “the highest standards and tradition of the office of the sheriff will continue with the promotion of such a fine officer.” Sheriff Strada is also pleased to announce the rank of corporal has been awarded to corrections officers Erich Olsen and Anthony Masucci. Cpl. Olsen and Cpl. Masucci, both 15-year veterans of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections, have worked at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility since 1996.

Arrested: Jessica J. Dutzi, age 31, of Stillwater Township, NJ. < Back Stillwater Township woman arrested for DWI Arrested: Jessica J. Dutzi, age 31, of Stillwater Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 2:05 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, August 18, 2012, Sheriff’s Sergeant John Gray was assigned to traffic enforcement within Hampton Township. While patrolling that area, he observed a dark colored sport utility vehicle, operated by Jessica Dutzi, failing to maintain her lane of traffic. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, speaking with Dutzi, and observing her attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Sergeant Gray found her to be intoxicated. Sergeant Gray took Dutzi into custody and transported her back to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where she was processed and released. She was issued summonses for the following offenses: reckless driving, failure to keep right, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended and obstruction Dutzi was released pending a September 5, 2012 court appearance in Hampton Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer’s Samantha Schilling and Sheriff’s Corporal Dan Storey assisted in the arrest.

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.

Arrested: Michael Maloney, age 34, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Man arrested at the Newton MVC for multiple warrants Arrested: Michael Maloney, age 34, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, April 21, 2011, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission facility in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Shilling encountered Michael Maloney attempting to obtain an identification card. Further investigation by Sheriff’s Officer Shilling revealed the existence of several outstanding municipal court warrants and a Superior Court warrant for Maloney’s arrest. Sheriff’s Officer Shilling immediately took Maloney into custody. Maloney is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in excess of $12,000 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.”

Join the race against crime on September 6, 2014 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < Back Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Run to be held September 6 Join the race against crime on September 6, 2014 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/10K Saturday, September 6, 2014 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 6, 2014. Pre-register by Friday, August 29 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 10K Run. After August 29 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. 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. 2014 Supporters and Partners Presented by Alternative Press of Sussex County Bagel Station Bimbo Bakery Cailey Jewelers CenturyLink CERT Comet Security D&H Alternative Risk Solutions Double S Diner Eastern Propane Embrace Massage Therapy First Hope Bank Fredon EMS Hampton Diner Hayek’s Market Hoover Truck Centers Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home J&G Pet Food and Supplies Lakeland Bank Lakeside Construction Main Street Laundromat McGivney & Kluger The Morville Agency New Image Landscape Services New Jersey Herald New Jersey State Police Newton Medical Center/Atlantic Health The Printing Center PSEG R&T Nautilus Subaru World of Newton Sussex Bank Sussex County Clerk’s Office Sussex County Fairgrounds Toyota World of Newton 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.

The unit is made up of corrections officers. < Back New honor guard formed The unit is made up of corrections officers. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is proud to announce the formation of the first Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Honor Guard Unit . The honor guard unit is a ceremonial unit composed of volunteers who are “guardians of the colors” by displaying and escorting the national flag at ceremonial occasions, parades, funerals and other functions. These corrections officers attended an honor guard boot camp at the Bergen County Police Academy instructed by Captain Kneer of the Fair Lawn Police Department. Their first official detail was at the Branchville Memorial Day Parade. For more information, please contact Sheriff Strada at 973.579.0850 or Undersheriff Wanamaker at 973.579.0875. From left to right: Lieutenant Christopher Lynch, Corrections Officer Joseph White, Corrections Officer Keith Blessing, Corrections Officer Paul Liobe, Corrections Officer Kyle Keller, Corrections Officer Robert Washer, Lieutenant John Bannon and Sheriff Michael F. Strada.

Sheriff Strada praises the efforts of those involved in preparing for and assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. < Back Sheriff's office challenged by weather Sheriff Strada praises the efforts of those involved in preparing for and assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Previous Next There is an old adage that warns about relaxing during the calm before a storm. In the days immediately preceding Hurricane Sandy’s attack on New Jersey, however, the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office was a virtual hotbed of activity. In anticipation of the storm, Sheriff Strada ordered his deputy emergency management coordinators to meet with the county fire marshal, county administrator, and various other representatives of county government along with all of the police chiefs, fire chiefs, each of the municipal OEM coordinators, and emergency medical service personnel from the first aids squads throughout the county to discuss plans for the county’s coordinated response to Hurricane Sandy. Vacations and leave times for essential personnel were cut short or cancelled outright and the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was proactively placed on generator power to ensure no breaks in emergency communications. Then came the storm. We all know what followed. Trees uprooted or felled throughout the county, structural damage to many homes, main roads closed, approximately 90% of Sussex County without power, residents scrambling for generators, families without water and customers waiting on 3-hour lines for fuel. This was the challenging environment the Sheriff’s Office functioned in during the days which followed. In addition to their regular patrol duties, including checks on the welfare of affected citizens, providing security to both the county jail and Superior Court, and the transportation of certain displaced residents to and from emergency shelters, Sussex County sheriff’s officers were also assigned to the Sussex County EOC from the onset of Hurricane Sandy until the close of recovery operations. At first glance, the EOC looked like a smaller version of NASA’s mission control. Multiple computer terminals, each designated to an operator assigned to a specific task, lined the desks. At each desk, a representative of one of the branches of county government fielded telephone calls and disseminated information to the other branches. To the front of the room, multiple screens provided information regarding relevant news, weather and situational data. Members of the Sheriff’s Office, Sussex County Administrator John Eskilson, along with representatives from the county departments of environmental and public health services, engineering and planning, human services, central and shared services, as well as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), joined liaisons from the utility companies, the American Red Cross and other community professionals involved in preparedness, monitoring, response and recovery. They all filled the room each day to assist in the coordination of the county’s response to Hurricane Sandy. Sheriff’s officers assigned to that post were responsible for handling requests for assistance and material from municipalities and attempting to obtain those materials from the state OEM. Additionally, they assisted in forwarding important topical information to the county to be continuously updated on the Sussex County web site and forwarded road closure and power failure information to representatives from Jersey Central Power and Light (JCPL&L). Beginning roughly forty-eight hours after Hurricane Sandy raged through Sussex County, sheriff’s officers, along with law enforcement personnel from several other local police agencies, began patrolling and monitoring gas stations throughout Sussex County to ensure proper distribution of fuel and to prevent civil unrest. Sheriff’s officers remained around the clock at the American Red Cross shelter located at the Sussex County Technical School for the duration of its operation. They were there to supervise the security and safety of the approximately 800 displaced Sussex County residents who had utilized that shelter during the state of emergency. Additionally, sheriff’s officers transported and distributed equipment and supplies to the American Red Cross shelter located at the Hopatcong high school which aided in excess, of 7,000 displaced residents throughout the storm. Sheriff’s officers were also tasked with escorting representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) throughout the county to assess the damage from the storm. As much of the county lost power, the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility was no exception. The jail was without direct power for approximately three days. During that time, sheriff’s corrections officers maintained security, order, and continued the day-to-day operations of overseeing approximately 190 incarcerates with limited back-up power. Throughout the recovery, members of the Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Sussex County OEM continued to distribute ice and water to local OEM coordinators so that it could be distributed to their town’s residents. During the storm and its aftermath, over 13,500 cases of bottled water, 4,370 bags of ice and over 1,200 sandbags were distributed throughout the county for residents in need. Sheriff Strada would like to sincerely thank the following groups for all of their assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Local and county dispatchers, the Sussex County Fire Marshal, township chiefs of police and chiefs of fire departments, municipal OEM coordinators, volunteer fire and EMS personnel throughout the county, elected government officials from the town, county, state, and federal levels, public works departments at both the municipal and county levels, the Sussex County departments of environmental and public health services, engineering and planning, human services, central and shared services, CERT, FEMA, representatives of both local power companies, the volunteers of the American Red Cross, all local and state level law enforcement officers, and the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, bureaus of both law enforcement and corrections.

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.

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: Michael Bollen, age 23, of Sussex, NJ. < Back Man arrested in probation department Arrested: Michael Bollen, age 23, of Sussex, NJ. Previous Next On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Rob Jacoby was advised by probation staff of an outstanding warrant for Michael Bollen for violation of probation. After confirming the existence of the warrant, Sheriff’s Officer Jacoby placed Bollen under arrest and transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Bollen was processed and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he remains without bail.

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.