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.

K-9 Blaze had an 8-year career with the sheriff’s office. < Back SCSO mourns the passing of search & rescue K-9 K-9 Blaze had an 8-year career with the sheriff’s office. Previous Next Sheriff Strada is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected death of our search and rescue dog, K-9 Blaze who died suddenly, but peacefully, in his sleep over the weekend. A former service dog for the visually impaired, “Nate” was training at the Seeing Eye in Morristown when he was adopted by Lt. Ellicott in April of 2008. A gentle, docile, dog, “Blaze” as he was renamed by Lt. Ellicott, was so peaceful that he actually had to be taught how to bark. It was this calm, yet playful, demeanor that made him ideally suited for search & rescue work. Upon the completion of his initial training, K-9 Blaze became a certified search & rescue dog on October 19, 2008. Throughout his 8-year career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, K-9 Blaze responded to, and assisted in the location of, over 40 missing juveniles, adults and seniors throughout Sussex County and the surrounding area. Sheriff Strada joins the men and women of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office in mourning the passing of K-9 Blaze and our thoughts are with Lt. Ellicott and his family.

Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. < Back Sheriff's K-9 search results in seizure of heroin brick Arrested: Christopher Kotz, age 30 and Johnathan DeLucchi, age 23, both of Hopatcong, NJ. Previous Next On September 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Kieran McMorrow and Sheriff’s K-9 Atlas were assigned to assist the Hopatcong Police Department which was conducting a DWI traffic checkpoint. Sheriff’s Officer McMorrow utilized K-9 Atlas to search several vehicles stopped at the checkpoint. One of the vehicles searched was occupied by Kotz and DeLucchi. Further investigation of that vehicle revealed a “brick” consisting of approximately 50 bags of heroin and a hypodermic syringe hidden behind the glove compartment. Both Kotz and DeLucchi were immediately taken into custody by Hopatcong Police. Kotz and DeLucchi, both charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, are currently lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $15,000 bail.

Arrested: Juvenile, age 17, of Sparta, NJ. < Back Juvenile arrested for possession of LSD in courthouse Arrested: Juvenile, age 17, of Sparta, NJ. Previous Next On Thursday, March 31, 2011, while attempting to enter the Sussex County Superior Courthouse in Newton, a juvenile was found to be in possession of LSD, a controlled dangerous substance. Sheriff’s Officer Tim Hecht and Sheriff’s Officer Richard Nicola attempted to place the juvenile under arrest. The juvenile, a 17-year-old male from Sparta Township, physically resisted. After a brief struggle, sheriff’s officers Hecht and Nicola were able to subdue the individual and take him into custody. As a result, he was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and resisting arrest. He is currently lodged in the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center without bail. Sheriff’s officers Hecht and Nicola both sustained minor injuries during the encounter.

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.

Arrested: Nelson O. Guerrero, age 21, of Selinsgrove, PA. < Back Pennsylvania man arrested at MVC Arrested: Nelson O. Guerrero, age 21, of Selinsgrove, PA. Previous Next On Tuesday, October 18, 2011, while assigned to the Motor Vehicle Commission in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling encountered Nelson Guerrero attempting to obtain a New Jersey driver’s license. After observing Guerrero providing MVC staff with false information, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling ran a criminal warrants check for him. That investigation revealed him to be the subject of an out-of-state Superior Court arrest warrant from Pennsylvania. Guerrero was taken into custody and lodged comfortably in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility without bail. He is currently awaiting extradition to Pennsylvania. Detective Mike Yanko assisted in the arrest.

Join the race against crime on September 14, 2019 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < 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.

Byram QuickChek armed robbery solved. < Back Tip leads to arrests in Crime Stoppers case Byram QuickChek armed robbery solved. Previous Next As a result of an anonymous call made to the Crime Stoppers hotline, the July 12, 2011 armed robbery of the Byram QuickChek spotlighted on our Crime Stoppers page has led to the arrest of three individuals. A cooperative investigation conducted by the Byram PD and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office determined that the three perpetrators are members of the Blood Stone Villain street gang—James Smith aka “Truth,” the driver; Iben Glenn aka “Eazy” from Elizabeth, NJ, who was the gunman; and Richard Gordon aka “Mutah” from Roselle, NJ. Richard Gordon and Iben Glenn have been charged with robbery, conspiracy and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. James Smith, currently incarcerated at the Yardville State Correctional Facility, will be charged at a later date. Sheriff Michael Strada and Lt. Larry Beller, Crime Stoppers coordinator, would like to extend their thanks to the caller who supplied the tip to the Crime Stoppers hotline.

Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. < Back Woman arrested in Newton on Paterson warrants Arrested: Natasha McCoy, age 31, of Hamburg, NJ. Previous Next On Friday, September 20, 2013, while assigned to the probation department at the Sussex County Superior Court courthouse in Newton, Sheriff’s Officer Joseph Cahill encountered Natasha McCoy. Officer Cahill believed McCoy to be the subject of an outstanding warrant and subsequently detained her. Further investigation revealed McCoy to be the subject of multiple warrants from Paterson Municipal Court. Officer Cahill immediately arrested McCoy and transported her to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Natasha McCoy was lodged in the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Four members of the sheriff’s office were recently recognized for their service. < Back Sheriff Strada presents awards to officers Four members of the sheriff’s office were recently recognized for their service. 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 service. Corrections Officer William Martin was presented with the Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Award for his actions in rendering medical aid to the victims of a motor vehicle accident he witnessed while off duty. The Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Award is awarded to officers who have performed a highly unusual accomplishment under adverse conditions with some degree of hazard to life and limb. On January 8, 2013, Officer Martin’s father, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) William Martin, Sr. who was a member of the Stillwater Emergency Rescue Squad, was operating an ambulance in Stillwater Township, transporting a severely burned patient to a medical evacuation area to be airlifted. While driving, Mr. Martin suffered a sudden and massive heart attack. Realizing he was having some sort of coronary incident, EMT Martin quickly told the paramedics in the rear of the vehicle to “hold on” and attempted to pull off the road. He was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, however, and subsequently crashed into a pole resulting in downed electrical wires hanging over the ambulance. Officer Martin, who was coincidentally nearby at the time of the accident, heard the sound of the collision and ran to the crash site to render aid, unaware that one of the victims was his father. Upon arrival, he assessed the scene and, disregarding his personal safety, entered the ambulance to determine the level of injury of those inside. It was at that point that Officer Martin realized who the driver was. Upon verifying that the paramedics in the rear of the vehicle were not seriously injured, Officer Martin assisted in removing his father from the wrecked vehicle. After checking his pulse and determining him to be unresponsive, Officer Martin then performed CPR on EMT Martin in the roadway until he was relieved. EMT Martin was transported to Newton Medical Center with CPR in progress. Unfortunately, despite Officer Martin’s valiant efforts, EMT Martin did not regain consciousness and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Officer William Martin has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since January 2013. Corrections Officer Jeremy Locke was presented with the Sheriff’s Meritorious Service Award for his actions in restraining a resistant and extremely violent inmate. On June 23, 2013 Officer Locke was escorting an unruly prisoner back to his cell. Upon arriving at the cell, the inmate refused to enter and struck Officer Locke near his right eye also causing injury to his nose. Officer Locke was knocked down and his vision momentarily impaired. Officer Locke sustained several facial fractures, severe bleeding from his nose, and serious damage to the bones surrounding his eye. Despite these injuries, Officer Locke immediately got back up and assisted another officer in restraining the inmate before he could cause additional harm to others. Officer Jeremy Locke has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since February 2008. Sergeant James Milnor , Corrections Officer Kyle Keller and Corrections Officer William Martin were each presented with the Sheriff’s Honorable Service Award for their actions in thwarting an inmate from attempting suicide. The Sheriff’s Honorable Service Award is awarded to a member of the Sheriff’s Office who performs a creditable act in the line of duty which meets some, but not all the requirements for other medals, unusual in nature, showing initiative and accomplishment. On May 4, 2013, Corrections Officer Keller responded to a request for assistance for an inmate attempting suicide. Upon arrival, Officer Keller observed one of the inmates attempting to hang himself with a noose fashioned from a bedsheet. Officer Keller entered the inmate’s cell and immediately lifted him up off the ground to release the tension and prevent further strangulation. Shortly thereafter, Officer Martin arrived and assisted Keller in lifting the inmate while Sergeant Milnor cut the noose. The inmate was then medically evaluated, placed on a suicide watch and transferred to another area of the facility. The actions of Sergeant Milnor, Officer Keller and Officer Martin unquestionably prevented the inmate from successfully taking his own life. Sergeant James Milnor has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since May 2003. Officer Kyle Keller has served in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections since May 2010. Sheriff Strada congratulates each of these officers, thanks them for their service, and wishes them continued success in their careers.

Community Programs The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s goals in offering our community programs are to reduce the criminal victimization of all of our residents, especially senior citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services. These programs provide the opportunity for an exchange of information between law enforcement and the community. The programs include the following: • Active Shooter Civilian Response • Fire Marshal’s Office Overview • Crimestoppers Overview • Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Overview • Home Burglary Awareness/Prevention • Credit Card Scams • Internet and Telephone Scams • Contractor and Home Healthcare Scams • Project Lifesaver Program • Senior Wristband Program • Senior Identification Cards • Emergency Preparedness for your Home • 911 Communications Center • K9 Demonstrations • Fake News and how to spot it on the internet The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office would be happy to come to your community group to present any of these topics. Please call 973-579-0850 ext 2114 for more information. Senior Photo ID Program Link to the Senior Photo ID form can be found HERE The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office offers photo identification cards to Sussex County seniors over 55 years of age. Please call 973-579-0850 ext 2114 to schedule your appointment. Please note that this is a “low level” form of identification. Senior Wristband Program Link to the Senior Wristband form can be found HERE The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will provide black and gold silicone wristbands to every senior citizen of Sussex County free of charge. The bands are engraved with “SC Sheriff 973-579-0888” and a registration number. That number will be used to register all participating senior citizens with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office should the senior citizen be unable to communicate with emergency personnel. For more information, please call 973-579-0850 ext 2114.

Officers took part in the 2012 Police Unity Tour and raised funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. < Back Corrections officers ride to Washington Officers took part in the 2012 Police Unity Tour and raised funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Previous Next Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey,” recounts an ancient Greek soldier’s decade-long voyage home after the Trojan War. The word odyssey, itself, has since become synonymous with a long and arduous journey. In mid-May, members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections hopped on their bicycles, joining approximately 600 others, and began an odyssey of their own—pedaling from Florham Park, NJ to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. as part of the Police Unity Tour. Their 300-mile ride took four days and ended with a candlelight vigil at the memorial which is etched with the names of 18,983 officers killed in the line of duty. The Police Unity Tour was organized by Florham Park Police Officer Pat Montuore in May, 1997 to raise public awareness of police officers who have died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices. A total of 18 police officers from throughout New Jersey rode that first year and raised approximately $18,000. In comparison, this year, over 1,600 members from throughout the United States made the trip, raising $1.65 million for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Inspired by the tour’s motto, “We ride for those who died,” many riders traveled from countries such as Australia, Israel, Great Britain, Italy, India and Canada to join the tour. Montuore, who is now chief of the Florham Park Police Department, still accompanies the tour each year. Tour participants from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office Bureau of Corrections raised approximately $7,500 and included the following people: Undersheriff Homer Wanamaker, who was accompanied by his daughter, Blaire, a detective with the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Sergeant John Bannon, who was accompanied by his brother, Jim, a retired United States Coast Guard member Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Officer Jason Kimble Sussex County Sheriff’s Corrections Corporal Anthony Masucci Since 1997, the Police Unity Tour has raised almost $12 million dollars for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. Riders who took part in the Police Unity Tour, from left to right: Homer Wanamaker, John Bannon, Blaire Wanamaker, Anthony Masucci, Jason Kimble and Jim Bannon.