< 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.

< Back Corrections personnel honored for saving inmate’s life Officers and nurses act quickly to help inmate in cardiac distress. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently recognized and awarded several members of the Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections with honors for their respective roles in saving the life of an inmate during a medical emergency. On the evening of May 8, 2015, corrections officers Brandon Fazio and Jeffrey Hilbert observed a prisoner who had collapsed and was unresponsive. They immediately contacted medical staff and ordered all inmates back to their cells. Sergeants Paul Reiher and Eric Groeger responded to their location along with nurses Jean Thompson and Cathy Toth. After determining the patient was in cardiac distress, Thompson and Toth began CPR. Corrections Officer Fazio and Sergeant Reiher began to prepare an Automated External Defibrillation device (AED) for use and, in conjunction with the medical staff performing CPR, delivered several rounds of defibrillation to the patient. The patient was ultimately airlifted to Morristown Memorial Hospital where he was placed on life support. For their actions in preserving the inmate’s life, Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, licensed practical nurse Jean Thompson and registered nurse Cathy Toth were presented with the Sheriff’s Life Saving Award while Sergeant Eric Groeger, Corrections Officer Jeffrey Hilbert and Corrections Officer Michael Scuzzese were presented with the Honorable Service Award. Sheriff Strada thanks each of the above named personnel for their diligence, initiative and rapid action while in the line of duty. Their successful efforts to save a person’s life reflect great credit upon themselves and the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections as a whole. From left to right: Corrections Officer Brandon Fazio, Sergeant Paul Reiher, Sheriff Michael F. Strada, LPN Jean Thompson and RN Cathy Toth.

< 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.

< Back Couple arrested for outstanding warrants at probation department Arrested: Joseph C. Baesler, age 33, of Sussex Boro, NJ and Melody Neale, age 26, of Milford, PA. Previous Next On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, while assigned to the Sussex County Probation Department, Sheriff’s Officer Ed Galinski encountered Joseph Baesler. Knowing him to be the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant from Wantage Township Municipal Court, Sheriff’s Officer Galinski immediately took him into custody. While Sheriff’s Officer Galinski was interviewing Baesler, Sheriff’s Sergeant Krista Galante was speaking with Baesler’s girlfriend, Melody Neale. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Neale was also the subject of multiple arrest warrants from Wantage Township Municipal Court. Neale was subsequently taken into custody as well. Joesph Baesler is currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $4,250 bail with no 10% option. Melody Neale was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $500 bail.

< 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.

Process Services Announcement: The Sussex County Sheriff’s Civil Process Unit is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. The lobby for the Civil Process hours of operation is 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The civil office is located at 39 High Street, Newton, NJ in front of the main court house. Appointments for Sheriff’s Office Civil Process Unit business ONLY can be scheduled by e-mail or by phone at 973.579.0850, Ext. 2116 or 2104. All fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to “Sussex County Sheriff.” CASH WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Any court related business must be directed to 862.397.5700. Thank you for your cooperation. ​ ​ A significant responsibility of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office involves the service of civil process. Our Civil Process Unit deploys sheriff’s officers throughout the county to handle many types of civil process which include summons and complaints, various writs, subpoenas and other orders of the court. ​ A sheriff’s officer will make up to three attempts to execute the document(s), unless otherwise instructed, at which time the item will be returned to the requestor. Additional mileage will be charged regardless of the success of the service. If you need further information or assistance, please contact us at 973.579.0850. ​ ​ Mileage Fees Mileage fees are based on mileage from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in Newton to the address of service. A mileage fee for at least three attempts is required at the time of request. Required Paperwork Summons & Complaint: the original summons plus two copies plus one copy of the complaint for each defendant being served. ​ Writ: the original writ with the seal plus two copies or electronic filing stamp for each service destination. ​ Subpoena, Order to Show Cause: the original order plus two copies for each defendant being served. ​ Payment: Certified check or money order ​ Payable to: Sussex County Sheriff’s Office ​ Mailing Address: Sussex County Sheriff’s Office 39 High Street Newton, NJ 07860 Attn: Civil Process Unit

Sheriff's Office History The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office is the first and oldest established law enforcement agency in Sussex County. The first sheriff was Joseph Brackenridge. He was appointed on November 12, 1753 and served for eleven months. The second sheriff was Morris Robeson who served as sheriff for three years and that has since been the established term of office. Past Sussex County Sheriffs ​ 1753-54 Joseph Brackenridge 1754-57 Morris Robeson 1757-60 Peter Schenck 1760-63 Issaac Hull 1763-66 Ephraim Darby 1766-69 Jacob Stan 1769-72 Hugh Hughes 1772-75 Thomas Potts 1775-79 Philip Dodderer 1779-82 William Kerr 1782-85 Mark Thompson 1785-88 William Kerr 1788-91 James Hyndshaw 1791-94 Mark Thompson 1794-97 James Hyndshaw 1797-97 Charles Pemberton 1797-03 George Bidelman 1803-06 Charles Pemberton 1806-09 John Gustin 1809-12 Ephraim Green, Jr. 1812-15 John Linn 1815-18 Daniel Swayze 1818-21 William Darrah 1821-24 Van Cleve Moore 1824-25 George Mushback 1825-28 Benjamin Hamilton 1828-31 Lewis DeCamp 1831-34 Uzal C. Hagerty 1834-37 Alexander Boyles 1837-40 John Broderick 1840-43 George H. McCarter 1843-46 Andrew Shiner 1846-49 Joseph A. Osborn 1849-52 George H. Neldon 1852-55 Frederick Arvis 1855-58 Richard E. Edsall ​ 1858-61 Peter S. Decker 1861-64 Charles Arvis 1864-67 James Smith 1867-70 Jesse Ward 1870-73 Thomas Simonson 1873-79 William Ross 1879-83 William L. Decker 1883-85 Jacob E. Hornbeck 1885-88 J.T. Kays 1888-91 Henry C. Stoll 1891-94 William J. Williams 1894-97 Peter S. Gunderman 1897-00 Joseph C. Andress 1900-01 John N. Hotalin 1901-06 Joseph C. Andress 1906-08 Judson Kilpatrick Gunn 1908-11 Joseph C. Andress 1911-12 George N. Harris 1912-16 Edward C. Maines 1916-18 William D. Wilson 1918-22 Israel D. Chardavogne 1922-24 Linus B. Littel 1924-27 B.V. Mackerley 1927-29 Peter H. Lanterman 1929-32 Arthur D. Wilson 1932-35 Claude Paddock 1935-38 Sydney Webster 1938-41 Denton J. Quick 1941-44 Russell Van Atta 1944-47 Clarence Hazen 1947-56 James Skok 1956-84 Gerald “Bucky” Willis 1984-89 Fred Cooper 1989-89 Michael Blahut 1989-10 Robert E. Untig 2011- ____ Michael F. Strada

< Back Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Run to be held September 17 Join the race against crime on September 17, 2016 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff’s Crime Stoppers 5K/12K Saturday, September 17, 2016 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 17, 2016. Pre-register by September 10 , and the fee is $27 for either the 5K Run/Walk or 12K Run. After September 10 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.

< Back Disabled motor vehicle leads to drug arrest Arrested: Joseph F. Zalewski, age 19, and Mackenzie S. Healy, age 19, both of Newton, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 15, 2012, while on county-wide mobile patrol, Sheriff’s Officer John Swords encountered a disabled motor vehicle on the side of a road in Hampton Township. Sheriff’s Officer Swords pulled over to assist the occupants of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed the presence of a quantity of marijuana and a smoking pipe. Both Zalewski and Healy were arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where they were processed and released pending a future court date in Green/Fredon/Hampton/Andover Borough Joint Municipal Court. Joseph Zalewski was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle. Mackenzie Healy was issued summonses for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

< Back Sheriff Strada announces promotions Four staff members from the Bureau of Corrections were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Bureau of Corrections: Sheriff’s Corrections Sergeant Chris Lynch has been promoted to interim lieutenant. A 12-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Lt. Lynch began his law enforcement career as a corrections officer at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 1999. He was promoted to sergeant in 2008 and was assigned to supervise the 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. shift before being transferred to oversee the Records and Classification sections. Lt. Lynch is graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy Basic Corrections Class and holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Sussex County Community College. Sheriff’s Corrections Officer Kelly Mizerek has been promoted to sergeant. A 10-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Sgt. Mizerek began her career as a corrections officer at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 2001. Sgt. Mizerek is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy Basic Corrections Class and holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice from the County College of Morris. She is currently assigned to supervise the 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift. Sheriff’s Corrections Officer Bennett Milnor has been promoted to sergeant. An 8-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Sgt. Milnor began his career as a corrections officer at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 2003. Since 2009, Sgt. Milnor has been supervised the work activities of inmates assigned to the Sheriff’s Work Assistance Program (SWAP) . Sgt. Milnor attended the Passaic County Police Academy Basic Corrections Class where he graduated in the top five of his class overall. He is currently assigned to supervise the 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shift. Sheriff’s Corrections Officer Andrew Boden has been promoted to interim sergeant. A 14-year veteran of the Bureau of Corrections, Sgt. Boden began his career as a corrections officer at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in 1998. He is a former member of both the Sheriff’s Operations Group and the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT). Sgt. Boden, a certified hazardous materials technician, was deployed to Louisiana in 2005 as part of Operation LEAD (Louisiana Emergency Assistance Deployment), New Jersey’s statewide response to assist in the clean up of areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Sgt. Boden is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy Basic Corrections Class. He is currently assigned to supervise the 3:00 to 11:00 p.m. shift. Sheriff Strada congratulates each of the recently promoted personnel and wishes them all continued success in their careers.

< Back Andover Township probationer arrested Arrested: Courtney Leigh Devito, age 20, of Andover Township, NJ Previous Next On Tuesday, September 17, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Richard Nikola was advised by probation staff that one of the probationers present that evening, Ms. Courtney L. Devito, was the subject of an outstanding warrant. Officer Nikola detained Ms. Devito until he could confirm the warrant and then placed her under arrest. Devito was subsequently transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Courtney L. Devito was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail.

< 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.