< Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 14 Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 14, 2019 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 14, 2019. Pre-register by September 4 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 4 through race day, the fee is $30 for either race. New this year is a discounted rate of $10 for students who sign up as a team with their respective community or school sports teams. Goody bags will be provided to all 5K and 12K runners/walkers while supplies last. Awards will be given to the top male and female winners overall as well as to the top three in 10-year 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.

Courthouse Security Overview The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office oversees the general security of the courthouse complex to ensure the orderly, peaceful and safe conduct of court business. ​ Attorney ID Cards Find out about our attorney identification card program, designed to expedite attorney access into the Sussex County Judicial Center. ​ Directions/Map Directions and map to the Sussex County Judicial Center, located at 43-47 High Street in Newton.

< 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.

< Back Woman arrested with marijuana in Woodbourne Park Arrested: Christina J. Woodruff, age 22, of Franklin Borough, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, February 28, 2013, while assigned to traffic enforcement within Wantage Township, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the rear section of Woodbourne Park. Officer Haggerty spoke with the driver of that vehicle, Ms. Christina Woodruff. Further investigation revealed Woodruff to be in possession of a small quantity of marijuana and a glass smoking device. Woodruff was taken into custody and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing whereupon she was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was given a future date to appear in Wantage Township Municipal Court and released.

< Back Subject of active warrant arrested at county office Arrested: Caitlyn McKenzie, age 25, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, June 2, 2011, while assigned to the Division of Social Services offices in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Matt Maines observed Caitlyn McKenzie. Knowing her to be the subject of an active outstanding Superior Court warrant, sheriff’s officers Maines and Matt Caine approached her and placed her under arrest. McKenzie was taken into custody, given a date to appear in Superior Court and released on her own recognizance. Sheriff’s Officer Edmund Galinski assisted in the arrest.

< Back Cub Scouts tour 911 Communications Center Members of Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop recently toured the communications facility. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently hosted a tour of the Sussex County Sheriff’s 911 Communications Center for Cub Scout, Den 5 of the Hampton Pack 96 Troop. Den leader Brandt Anderson said “Our kids are working on an advancement that requires our troop to examine the resources within their community that are designed to help the community function in a time of need.” Sheriff Strada, along with 911 Communications Director Mark Rozek, took the boys through the Sussex County Communications Center and discussed what happens when you place a 911 call. The kids received a great lesson in emergency services and how it helps the community. Mr. Anderson noted, “We are also incorporating the idea of local heroes. The kids have decided, on their own, that Sheriff Strada and his deputies are the heroes that they feel best serve our township.”

< Back Sparta Woman’s Club hosts Sheriff Strada Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon held recently at the Lake Mohawk Country Club in Sparta. Sheriff Strada was invited to share a presentation on the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office with the audience of fifty members. During the presentation, he spoke about the history of the sheriff’s office, the Bureau of Law Enforcement/Corrections Unit, the Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program (SLAP)/Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP), Emergency Management/Fire Marshal responsibilities along with the many community programs that are in place such as Crime Stoppers, Project Lifesaver, Outbound 9-1-1, Register Ready, D.A.R.E., TRIAD and CERT programs. The presentation, designed to educate the public about the many services that the sheriff’s office provides to the citizens of Sussex County, was followed by a question and answer session. Sheriff Strada would like to encourage any organization which is interested in learning more about the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office to contact it at 973.579.0850. Pictured from left to right: Marjorie Strohsahl, Corresponding Secretary/FWCNJ Past President, Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Stevie Fava, Co-President.

< Back Sheriff Strada announces three promotions Sheriff Strada announces promotions Previous Next Press Release Contact: Sheriff Michael F. Strada February 1, 2024 973-579-0850 Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Sergeant Kieran McMorrow has been promoted to Lieutenant. A 1992 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a United States Army veteran, and a 24-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant McMorrow began his law enforcement career in 2000 when he was hired as a Corrections Officer by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. That same year, he transferred to a position as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Lieutenant McMorrow has been assigned to several different units including, The Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sheriff’s Traffic Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT), the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. Lieutenant McMorrow has received numerous awards throughout his career. Lieutenant McMorrow holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He currently serves as a supervisor for the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transport Unit as well as the Public Information Officer of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Following this promotion, Lieutenant McMorrow will be assigned to oversee the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. Corporal Joseph Cahill has been promoted to Sergeant. A 1999 Wallkill Valley Regional High School graduate and a United States Army veteran who deployed in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sergeant Cahill began his law enforcement career in 2005 when he was hired as a Federal Corrections Officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2007, he accepted a position as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement and was assigned to the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), throughout his career, Sergeant Cahill has served in several units including the Detective Bureau, the Home Detention Program, and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Sergeant Cahill holds Associate’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Sussex County Community College. Following his promotion, Sergeant Cahill will be assigned to supervise Sheriff’s Officers assigned to the Courthouse Security & Prisoner Transport Unit. Sergeant Bennett Milnor has been promoted to Lieutenant in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections. A lifelong Sussex County resident and a 2001 graduate of Lenape Valley Regional High School, Lieutenant Milnor was hired as a Corrections Officer in May of 2003. In January of 2010, he was assigned as the Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP) coordinator where he oversaw the inmate labor program. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in December of 2011 and has been a shift supervisor since. In addition to his daily duties, he was responsible for overseeing inmate disciplinary hearings from 2017 through 2019 as well as maintaining the Emergency Operations Plan for the Bureau of Corrections. In July of 2023, he was reassigned to oversee the daily operations of the Bureau of Corrections which include inmate transports from police agencies statewide to the Morris County Jail as well as inmate hospital transports. Sheriff Strada stated “I am proud of these Officers and I congratulate them on their achievements. I have the utmost confidence in their leadership abilities and look forward to working with them.” Left to Right Lieutenant Bennett Milnor, Lieutenant Kieran McMorrow, Sheriff Michael Strada and Sergeant Joseph Cahill

< Back Upcoming foreclosure involving multiple parcels A total of five parcels will be sold at public sale on May 15, 2013 Previous Next Docket #F-000818-12 The Provident Bank vs. Grinnell Holding Co., Inc., et al. Plaintiff Attorney: Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, (732) 636-8000 [This sale was previously scheduled to take place April 17 and then May 1, 2013.] The Sussex County Sheriff will sell at public sale on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. the following described properties which will will be sold separately in the following five parcels: PARCEL 1 Sold to Plaintiff Municipality: Township of Hampton County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: 436 Longview Dr., Hampton, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 18, Block 2902 Dimensions: Approx. .8264 acres PARCEL 2 Sold to Plaintiff Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: 734 Houses Corner Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 60, Block 26 Dimensions: Approx. .92 acres PARCEL 3 Sold to Plaintiff Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: West Mountain Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 4.08, Block 20 Dimensions: Approx. 25.08 acres Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: Davis Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 3, Block 20 Dimensions: Approx. 61.98 acres Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: 75 Davis Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 30, Block 20 Dimensions: Approx. 25.4 acres Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: West Mountain Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 4.09, Block 20 Dimensions: Approx. 14.5 acres Municipality: Township of Hardyston County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: Davis Rd. Rear, Hardyston, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 16, Block 77 Dimensions: Approx. 3.15 acres PARCEL 4 Sold to 3rd party purchaser–Robert Nicholson–$1,000,000.00 Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: 160 Houses Corner Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 13, Block 33 Dimensions: Approx. 54.2 acres Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: Houses Corner Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 52, Block 35 Dimensions: Approx. 80.14 acres PARCEL 5 Sold to Plaintiff Municipality: Township of Sparta County and State: Sussex, NJ Property Location: 10 Park Lake Rd., Sparta, NJ Tax Lot and Block Numbers: Lot 5, Block 26.05 Dimensions: Approx. 1.34 acres Full legal descriptions of the properties can be found in the office of the Register of Deeds of Sussex County. The approximate amount of the decree sought to be satisfied by this sale is $3,999,323.27 in addition to the interest, sheriff’s fees and advertising costs. The successful bidder at the sale is required to post a deposit of 20% of the total bid price in cash or certified check immediately following the sale. The sheriff reserves the right to adjourn these sales; the foregoing scheduled date is subject to change. For more information, contact the Civil Process Unit at 973.579.0850.

< Back Stanhope man arrested in probation department Arrested: Robert Wilson, age 24, of Stanhope, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, March 21, 2013, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, sheriff’s officers John Freykar and Rob Jacoby were advised by probation staff that an arrest warrant had been issued for Robert Wilson for violation of probation. Additionally, they were advised that Wilson was currently in the office. Officers Freykar and Jacoby located Wilson and, after confirming the existence of the warrant, arrested and transported him to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he was lodged without incident. Robert Wilson is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

Administration Mission Statement The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office dedicates itself to protecting the life and property of the citizens of the county, providing primary and support services to all law enforcement agencies, along with maintaining traditional sheriff’s services. The office recognizes that the ability to successfully complete this mission is based on mutual respect and responsibility, shared by all agencies, and most importantly the citizens it serves. As professionals, we are duty bound to enforce the laws in a fair and impartial manner, recognizing both the statutory and judicial limitations of police authority, and at all times, protecting the constitutional rights of all persons. ​ Sheriff Michael F. Strada Sheriff Mike Strada , who has been involved in public service all his life, is serving his fourth three-year term as Sussex County Sheriff. ​ After graduating high school in 1987, Sheriff Strada enlisted in the military and served for four years as a sergeant with the 82nd Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and served in both Iraq and Saudi Arabia. While in the military, he was an explosives expert and assigned to a Parachute Infantry Regiment. During his military career, he was awarded the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge and the Army Achievement Medal. ​ After being honorably discharged from the military, Sheriff Strada went on to pursue a career in law enforcement and graduated from the Morris County Firefighters and Police Training Academy in 1993. He began his law enforcement career with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office where he was assigned to the Criminal Investigation/Crime Lab Unit. In 1995, Sheriff Strada joined the Mt. Olive Township Police Department and was assigned to the patrol division where he served for ten years. In 2005, he moved up to the investigations division where he served as a detective for the duration of his tenure with Mt. Olive. Over the course of his career with Mt. Olive, Strada was the recipient of numerous departmental awards including the 1998 Knights of Columbus Shield Award, Morris County 200 Club 2001 Valor Award, three lifesaving awards, four honorable service awards, three meritorious service awards, an educational achievement award and a military service award. ​ Sheriff Strada has an associate’s degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a master’s degree, also from Fairleigh Dickinson, in administration. Law enforcement certifications and training include FBI Police Supervision and Management, Northeast Counterdrug Training Center: Leadership and Mastering Performance Management, Supervision Principles, Police Supervision, Organizational Leadership, and Practical Homicide Investigation. In addition to being a graduate of both the FBI National Academy and the Executive Leadership Program at the National Sheriffs’ Institute (NSI), he is also a certified field training officer and police academy instructor. ​ Sheriff Strada served as president of the Sheriffs’ Association of New Jersey and is a member of the Newton VFW, life member of the National Rifle Association, Branchville American Legion, New Jersey Italian American Police Officers Association, New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, and Sussex County Chiefs of Police Association. Sheriff Strada also serves on the board of directors for SCARC. ​ Sheriff Strada resides with his wife and three children in Hampton Township. ​ ​ Bureau of Corrections Undersheriff Matthew A. McCurry Undersheriff Matt McCurry graduated from Saint Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, NJ. He went on to attend Wesleyan University in Connecticut where he played football and received a bachelor of arts degree in government. In 1995, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy as part of the 115th class, badge #5298. After his graduation, he moved to Sussex County and has resided there ever since. ​ During his 25 year career as a New Jersey state trooper, Undersheriff McCurry served as a road trooper at Hope, Somerville, Sussex and Newark stations. After being promoted to detective he served at Sussex and Washington stations. He was promoted to detective sergeant and assigned to a street crime task force at Metro North Station in Irvington. ​ After a brief assignment to the Totowa Station, Undersheriff McCurry was transferred back to Irvington and assigned to the Strategic Investigations Unit. He became the assistant unit head there and was promoted to detective sergeant first class. He then returned to Criminal Investigations and served as a zone supervisor for the Meadowlands, Sussex, Perryville, Washington and Somerville stations. He was later designated the assistant unit head of the Criminal Investigation Office. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2018 and awarded the station commander position at Washington Station. He eventually joined the command staff at Totowa headquarters where he finished out his career leading the Strategic Investigations Unit. ​ During his career as a trooper, Undersheriff McCurry served as crisis negotiator, armorer and the president of the Sussex County Detectives Association. His awards include a unit citation for his work at Metro North Station and a union valor award for his work with the Crisis Negotiation Team. ​ In addition to his bachelor of art degree in government, he is a certified state police instructor and FBI certified crisis negotiator, an NRA certified firearms instructor and a certified armorer for several major manufacturers. ​ Undersheriff McCurry is a member of the Former Troopers Association, the Sussex County 200 Club and the Interstate Law Enforcement Officers Association. ​ ​ Special Services Unit Undersheriff John Schanstra Undersheriff John Schanstra , a lifelong resident of Sussex County, graduated from Sparta High School and from County College of Morris with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, also from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a master’s of administrative sciences degree. In 1988, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Municipal Police Academy as part of the 188th class. ​ During his 25-year career as a police officer with the Borough of Ogdensburg and the Township of Sparta, he started his career as a patrolman, Undersheriff Schanstra, after being promoted to detective served in the Investigative Unit of the Sparta Police handling criminal and administrative investigations. Undersheriff Schanstra was assigned as the liaison with the Middle Atlantic - Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network for the purpose of analysis and dissemination of criminal intelligence. Undersheriff Schanstra was promoted to detective sergeant and took command of the investigative unit of the Sparta Police Department overseeing all investigations and the oversight of schools security of the district along with Sparta Pope John and Vo-Tech High School. Undersheriff Schanstra was sworn in as a deputy United States marshal and assisted the United States Marshal Service Joint Fugitive Task Force in the apprehension of violent criminals in the tri-state area. ​ During his career as a police officer, Undersheriff Schanstra served for six years as the president of the Sussex County Detectives Association. His awards include the Sussex County Detective of the Year, police officer of the year award which was present by the Sparta Kiwanis along with numerous meritorious services awards. ​ Undersheriff Schanstra was hired by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office as the director of internal affairs prior to being promoted to undersheriff of Special Services Unit. This unit includes Internal Affairs, K-9, Detective and Cops Unit of the Sussex County Sheriffs Office. ​ Besides his master’s degree in administrative science, Undersheriff Schanstra holds the position of adjunct professor at Sussex County Community College where he teaches criminal investigation at night. ​ Undersheriff Schanstra is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #26 and the Interstate Law Enforcement Officers Association. ​ Civil Process Unit Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti Undersheriff Matthew Avenatti moved to Sussex County at a very young age and graduated from Port Jervis High School. He attended Sussex County Community College and then Montclair University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. In 1995, he graduated from the New Jersey State Police Academy in the 115th academy class and assigned badge #5237. He continued his studies at Seton Hall University graduating with a master of arts in human resources. ​ During his nearly 26-year career with the New Jersey State Police, Undersheriff Avenatti began as a road trooper serving at Totowa-Sub, Washington, Sussex, Netcong and Hope stations. He served in the Special Operations Section as a commercial vehicle inspector eventually becoming part of a criminal interdiction team. He also was a member of the ceremonial Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold for several years. ​ In 2016, Avenatti was promoted to sgt. first class and assigned to the Garden State Parkway, Bloomfield Station, Troop D, Field Operations Section as the assistant station commander for two years. He transferred to Troop B headquarters and served on the Troop B command staff until he was transferred to Sussex station. There he was promoted to lieutenant/station commander in 2018 where he finished his New Jersey State Police career. ​ During his career with the state police, Avenatti served as an instructor in riot control for the Urban Area Security Initiative, assigned to Washington, DC for two presidential inaugurations, was an armorer for several weapons platforms utilized by the state police as well as a firearms instructor. He received the Franklin E. Sigler Award for Heroism from the Newton VFW Post along with other members of his squad and a Certificate of Unit Commendation for assisting with a large seizure of contraband. ​ Undersheriff Avenatti is an associate member of the New Jersey State Police Superior Officers Association, a member of Newark FOP Lodge #12 and the Former Troopers Association.

< Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 15 Join the race against crime on September 15, 2018 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 15, 2018 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 15, 2018. Pre-register by September 1 , and the fee is $25 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 1 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.