< Back SCSO K9 TEAM GRADUATES NJSP ACADEMY Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the graduation of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 Team from the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy 38th Narcotics Scent Class. Sheriff’s Detective Michael Scott and K-9 “Ace” recently successfully completed an intensive 14-week training course in narcotics detection. Detective Scott is a 7 year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Ace is a 1 year old German Shepherd Dog. During their training, over approximately 450 hours, the K-9 team executed over 300 narcotics searches in various conditions and at numerous locations. Detective Scott and K-9 Ace are scheduled to begin the New Jersey State Police Canine Academy Patrol Class for tracking in September. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit currently consists of three K-9 teams. Two narcotics detection teams and one tracking/trailing team. Sheriff Strada congratulates Detective Scott and Ace and wishes them great success in their careers. Said Sheriff Strada, “We are pleased to present the services of this great team and our other K-9 teams to the law enforcement agencies and citizens of Sussex County. I know they will prove to be a tremendous asset.”

Sheriff Strada was a guest speaker at the Sparta Woman’s Club luncheon. < 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.

This scam involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. < Back Sheriff’s Office warns of jury duty telephone scam This scam involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced that a long running telephone scam seeking payment for false warrants and overdue payment to the IRS has taken a new twist. This new twist involves a threat of arrest for not appearing for jury duty as summoned. The scam involves a caller stating that he or she is with the sheriff’s office, will give an officer’s name, and has a warrant for that person’s arrest. The imposter then goes on to say that it can be handled either “civilly” or “criminally” but if they elect to pay a civil fine, there will be no arrest. The caller will give instructions on using a pre-paid debit card from a major bank or a Green Dot card. The caller will go so far as to give stores where these pre-paid cards can be purchased. Sheriff Strada stated that this is the latest variation to the false warrant scam and the Internal Revenue Service scam demanding overdue tax payments in the same manner. The caller will provide a call back phone number where payment can be made. The phone number is then answered falsely identifying it as the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Strada stressed that legitimate law enforcement agencies will not tell people to provide money card information to avoid arrest. It is further warned that even if the caller has some name or knowledge, the receiver of the call should not provide any personal information such as date of birth or social security information. You should not engage with the caller and instead, simply hang up.

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.

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. < Back Sheriff's Office announces new promotion Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotion within the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Detective Corporal Louis Cataldo has been promoted to Sergeant. A United States Army and New Jersey Army National Guard veteran, as well as an 18-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office; Sergeant Cataldo began his law enforcement career in 2006 when he was hired as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Law Enforcement. A certified Field Training Officer (FTO), throughout his career, Sergeant Cataldo has been assigned to several different units including, The Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sheriff’s Detective Bureau, the New Jersey Judiciary Security Management Response Team (JSMART), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). He has deployed with the military multiple times. Twice to Iraq as part of Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom, once to Louisiana in support of logistic rescue operations immediately following Hurricane Katrina, and to Washington D.C. in support of Operation Resurrection. A 2006 graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute’s Basic Police Class, Sergeant Cataldo has also attended both Ocean County Community College and the County College of Morris. Among the numerous awards Sergeant Cataldo has received throughout his career are the Hurricane Irene Ribbon, the Armed Forces Ribbon, the Grand Cordon Ribbon, and two letters of commendations for his response to medical emergencies. Following his promotion, he will be assigned to supervise the Prisoner Transportation Unit. Sheriff Strada stated “I congratulate him on his promotion. I have the utmost confidence in his leadership abilities and look forward to working with him in his new role.” pictured left to right Sergeant Cataldo, Louis (Louie) Cataldo (Sgt. Cataldo’s son) and Sheriff Michael Strada

Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the arrival of K-9 Kilo. < Back Drug money used to purchase new sheriff’s K-9 Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the arrival of K-9 Kilo. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the arrival of a new officer at the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. This newest member of the sheriff’s office is not only capable of running at speeds upwards of 30 mph, he can scale a seven foot fence in seconds flat and smell drugs secreted in hidden compartments that would be otherwise impossible to detect. He does, however, shed a great deal more hair than a typical sheriff’s officer. K-9 Kilo is a black and tan colored, German shepherd dog. At just 17 months old, he is the youngest of the 4 dogs that currently comprise the sheriff’s office K-9 unit. Kilo was born in Hungary and transported to the United States by a canine vendor who, in turn, sold him to the sheriff’s office. Kilo was purchased using money from the asset forfeiture fund which is maintained by the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office. Sussex County Prosecutor David Weaver authorized the expenditure from the fund which is composed, almost exclusively, of money seized during narcotics investigations. The cost of purchasing Kilo was therefore borne, not from the taxpaying citizens of Sussex County, but from narcotics traffickers similar to those that Kilo will ultimately be trained to locate and apprehend. Both Sheriff Strada and Prosecutor Weaver reflected on the irony of obtaining a narcotics detection canine with funds taken predominantly from narcotics traffickers. In thanking Prosecutor Weaver for his assistance the sheriff noted, “This is a win-win for the citizens of Sussex County as well as the sheriff’s office. K-9 Kilo will be a valuable asset to law enforcement agencies throughout Sussex County while bringing no cost to the taxpayers.” “Having a canine trained in narcotics detection and patrol work duties is beneficial both as a tool for law enforcement and to the citizens of Sussex County,” said Prosecutor Weaver. Kilo will be trained in patrol work duties such as criminal apprehension, handler protection, evidence recovery, general obedience and human tracking. Additionally, he will be trained in narcotics detection. He is scheduled to begin training on June 1. From left to right: Sheriff Michael F. Strada, Detective Kieran McMorrow, K-9 Kilo and Sussex County Prosecutor David Weaver.

Join the race against crime on September 15, 2018 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds. < 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.

Arrested: Alfred E. Bremel, age 18, of Wantage, NJ. < Back Motor vehicle stop in Frankford results in passenger’s arrest for drugs Arrested: Alfred E. Bremel, age 18, of Wantage, NJ. Previous Next On Saturday, December 28, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a silver colored Dodge sedan failing to maintain its lane while traveling along Haggerty Road in Frankford Township. Officer Haggerty pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver. Upon speaking with the driver, Officer Haggerty immediately detected the obvious odor of marijuana from within the vehicle. Further investigation revealed one of the vehicle’s passengers, Alfred E. Bremel, to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Additionally, Bremel claimed ownership of a quantity of alcohol which was also in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was issued a summons for failure to maintain lane and Bremel was arrested, transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing, and subsequently released. Alfred E. Bremel was charged with the following offenses: possession of alcohol under the legal age, possession of marijuana in an amount less than 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bremel was given a future court date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer Warren Slahor assisted in the arrest.

Jeffrey Chandler will attend the statewide Leadership Excellence Direct Results (LEDR) program in August. < Back Sheriff nominates Newton youth for leadership program Jeffrey Chandler will attend the statewide Leadership Excellence Direct Results (LEDR) program in August. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada recently announced that he has nominated Jeffrey Chandler of Newton to participate in the inaugural session of the statewide Leadership Excellence Direct Results (LEDR) program. Developed by the Team Eagle Foundation in cooperation with the Boy Scouts of America, LEDR is a week-long retreat designed to give 14 to 20 year old students a chance to explore their leadership skills, to connect with peers and to learn how to get involved in their communities. The program will be held in August at Camp Winnebago at no cost to the participants. “It was my pleasure to nominate Jeffrey for this excellent program. His involvement in community service and his status as Cadet Senior Airman - Civil Air Patrol, Juvenile Justice Academy and Trooper Youth Week graduate makes him the perfect choice,” stated Sheriff Strada. With respect to the program, Sheriff Strada added, “the New Jersey Sheriff’s Association has played a pivotal role in the development of the LEDR, both as financial and curriculum partners. This program can only benefit our society by developing understanding citizens who care about their communities.”

Arrested: Courtney Leigh Devito, age 20, of Andover Township, NJ < 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.

Arrested: Marc E. Peterson, age 24, of Frankford Township, NJ. < Back Frankford Township man arrested for driving while intoxicated Arrested: Marc E. Peterson, age 24, of Frankford Township, NJ. Previous Next At approximately 1:05 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, July 2, 2011, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling was assigned to traffic enforcement within Frankford Township. While patrolling that area, she observed a gold-colored Saturn operated by Marc E. Peterson traveling in excess of the posted speed limit. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, speaking with Peterson, and observing him attempt to perform several field sobriety tests, Sheriff’s Officer Schilling found him to be intoxicated. Schilling took Peterson into custody and transported him back to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and released. Peterson was issued summonses for reckless driving, failure to inspect, failure to maintain lane, speeding, open container in a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated. He was released pending a July 14th court appearance in Frankford Township Municipal Court.

Recipients were Sergeant John Gray of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police Trooper Victor Cabrera-Bonilla. < Back Sheriff presents life saving award to sheriff’s officer and state trooper Recipients were Sergeant John Gray of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police Trooper Victor Cabrera-Bonilla. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada presented a life saving award to Sergeant John Gray of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police Trooper Victor Cabrera-Bonilla in recognition of their response to a medical call in Sussex County. Both officers quickly responded to the call and performed “two-man CPR” while also utilizing an automated external defibrillator AED unit as the victim was in full cardiac arrest. Both Trooper Cabrera-Bonilla and Sergeant Gray continued to work together, established a heartbeat and the victim began to breathe. The victim was transported by the local first aid squad for additional medical attention and the victim survived the incident. Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada said, “The lifesaving actions of Sergeant Gray and Trooper Cabrera-Bonilla reflect the highest standards of service to the community and their performance is an example of true professionalism.” Present at the ceremony were officers of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office along with New Jersey State Police Station Commander Lieutenant Matt Avenatti of the Troop B Sussex Barracks. Lieutenant Avenatti praised the members of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office by noting that because of the seamless relationship between the two law enforcement agencies, especially as they perform training sessions together, this enabled the two officers to work effectively. Lieutenant Avenatti further stated, “Agencies that train together, respond better together for the citizens of Sussex County.” Pictured left to right: Lieutenant Matt Avenatti, Trooper Cabrera-Bonilla, Sergeant Gray and Sheriff Strada.