< Back Resources for homeowners facing foreclosure Sheriff Strada runs down a list of resources available to provide assistance. Previous Next If you are a homeowner experiencing difficulty making your mortgage payments or you are already facing foreclosure, you are not alone. Help is available but you can’t procrastinate or hope the problem will just go away. The further behind you get, the fewer options you may have to save your home or avoid foreclosure. The links which follow can provide assistance to homeowners in distress. New Jersey’s Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) Program The Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program (ERMA) was developed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) to deploy federally allocated HAF funds to assist eligible NJ homeowners who have been financially affected by COVID-19. The program will help homeowners bring their mortgages and other housing related expenses current. New Jersey Judiciary Foreclosure Mediation Program This program, launched in 2009, gives eligible homeowners access to housing counselors, lawyers and mediators who may help homeowners in foreclosure remain in their homes. It is a partnership of the judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General, the Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, Legal Services of New Jersey, the Office of the Public Advocate and the Department of Banking and Insurance. Call toll-free: 1.888.989.5277. Making Home Affordable This program is a component of the Obama administration’s strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country’s housing market, and improve the nation’s economy. The primary goal is to give homeowners struggling to maintain their home mortgage payments the opportunity to refinance or obtain a loan modification. NJ HomeSaver Program This program provides financial assistance to New Jersey homeowners who have a track record of making their mortgage payments on time but are now at risk of losing their homes to foreclosure as a direct result of unemployment or substantial underemployment. Additional Resources: Loan Scam Alert—What You Should Know Loan Modification Scam Alert Campaign Consumer Alert: Home Mortgage Foreclosures/Subprime Lending Legal Services of New Jersey: Anti-Predatory Lending Project Ten Warning Signs of Abusive/Predatory Lending For Tenants: NJ’s Public Advocate: The Rights of Tenants During Foreclosure

< 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.”

Overview The Courthouses Sussex County is home to two courthouses—the Sussex County Judicial Center and the historic courthouse. Both buildings are in Newton and each is a stone’s throw away from the other. Judicial Center The Sussex County Judicial Center, opened in 1992, is the main courthouse and located at 43-47 High Street. This is the location of most Superior Court criminal, family and civil matters and where court documents such as motion and filings are obtained. The building is flanked to the south by a public parking complex which serves the main entrance off High Street. Historic Courthouse The “Historic Courthouse” as it is known, is located at 3 High Street and sits prominently on the corner of High and Spring streets overlooking the Square in Newton. This Department of Interior National Registered Historic site is occupied by the Sussex County Surrogates Office and utilized on occasion by the Sussex County Prosecutors office. Some Civil cases are heard in a Courtroom also located here. Security procedures are equally in place and access is available via the High Street entrance. Parking Parking for both locations is available and free at the multi-story parking garage at the Sussex County Judicial Center. If you have an appointment at the Surrogate’s Office, you may park in the designated reserved spots located behind the historic courthouse. ​ Courthouse Security Screening Process All courthouse visitors must pass through a metal detector and have their bags run through an x-ray machine. No weapons, knives, sharp objects or any objects deemed unsafe by sheriff’s officers are allowed into the courthouse. This includes everyday items such as nail files, scissors, knitting needles and pocket knives. ​ If in doubt about something you are carrying with you, please leave it in your vehicle or at home; sheriff’s officers cannot hold onto your items on your behalf while you are in the courthouse. ​ Additionally, no cameras or recording devices are allowed in the courthouse without permission from a Superior Court judge. ​ The courthouses open to the public at 8:30 a.m. Generally speaking, the initial rush of people can sometimes result in a longer wait to enter the facilities. Please plan accordingly to ensure that you make it to your appointment or hearing in time.

< Back Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada urges whistleblowers and family members to report senior abuse at nursing homes ​ Previous Next Newton – In the wake of media reports about the dangerous conditions at the Woodland Behavioral Health (the former Andover Subacute II) nursing home, Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada urges whistleblowers and family members to report incidents of senior abuse to use his office’s Crime Stoppers Hotline to report any abuse or improper activity. All calls and reports will remain anonymous and at no time will anyone ask the tipsters name. The hotline’s telephone number is 973-300-CRIME. Reports can also be filed online at www.sussexcountysheriff.com . According to media reports, state health officials have suspended new admissions at the nursing home and it is now the subject of state monitoring. The facility is also facing the possibility of closure by the state. Sheriff Strada has been working with the New Jersey Attorney General’s office on possible incidents of fraud connected with this facility. Sheriff Strada will be forwarding details of the matter to the United States Attorney General’s office, as it appears that it may fall under their purview.

< Back Hampton Township man arrested in Fredon for possession of marijuana Arrested: Cory M. Mendola, age 21, of Hampton Township, 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 Sergeant John Gray observed a dark colored 2012 Acura TL driving erratically while traveling along County Route 519 in Fredon Township. Sergeant Gray pulled the vehicle over and approached to speak with the driver, Cory M. Mendola. Upon speaking with Mendola, Sergeant Gray immediately detected the obvious odor of marijuana from within the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Mendola to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Mendola was arrested, transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing, and subsequently released. Cory M. Mendola was charged with the following offenses: failure to keep right, possession of marijuana in an amount less than 50 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. Mendola was issued summonses for the above offenses and given a future court date to appear in Fredon Township Municipal Court. Sheriff’s Officer Lew Labar assisted in the arrest.

< Back Crackdown on drunk drivers to begin The sheriff’s office will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols from August 16 to September 2, 2013. Previous Next Sussex County Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced today that law enforcement officers from the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2013 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. Beginning August 16 and running through September 2, 2013, law enforcement officers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education. Launched across the U.S. in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year, including the Labor Day holiday period. “Recent surveys indicate that many people harbor the dangerous belief that after a few drinks they’re still safe to drive,” said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “Even one drink can impair your judgment and reaction time, putting not only yourself, but everyone on the road in danger.” In 2012, alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 19 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. The Sussex County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend and offers the following advice: If you plan to drink, designate a driver, someone who will not drink alcohol, before you go out. Take mass transit, a taxi, or ask a sober friend to drive you home. Spend the night where the activity is held. Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 to report a drunk or aggressive driver. Always buckle up, every ride, regardless of your seating position in the vehicle. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver. If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive you to your doorstep.

< Back Bureau of Law Enforcement promotes two officers Two staff members from the Bureau of Law Enforcement were recently promoted. Previous Next Sheriff Michael F. Strada is pleased to announce the following promotions within the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Detective Corporal Kieran McMorrow has been promoted to sergeant. A 1992 graduate of Kittatinny Regional High School, a United States Army veteran, and an 18-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office, Sergeant 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. In December of 2000, he accepted a position as a sheriff’s officer in the Bureau of Law Enforcement. Throughout his career, Sergeant McMorrow has been assigned to several different units including the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit, the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the sheriff’s Community Policing Unit, the Sussex County Hazardous Materials Team (HAZMAT) and the sheriff’s K-9 Unit. In addition to being a recipient of the sheriff’s Good Conduct Medal, the Educational Achievement Award, a two-time recipient of the sheriff’s Achievement Award, and the Sussex County Detective’s Association Meritorious Service Award, Sergeant McMorrow has received numerous accolades from other law enforcement agencies and civic groups. A graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute 86th Basic Police Class, Sergeant McMorrow also holds a baccalaureate degree in history from Fairleigh Dickinson University where he is currently pursuing a master’s degree in administrative science. He currently serves as both a K-9 handler and the public information officer of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. Following this promotion, Sergeant McMorrow will be assigned to supervise sheriff’s officers serving in the Courthouse Security and Prisoner Transportation Unit. Detective William Ficacci has been promoted to detective sergeant. A 1999 Wallkill Valley High School graduate, a lifelong Sussex County resident, a United States Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq in 2003, Sergeant Ficacci began his law enforcement career in 2005 when he was hired as a corrections officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2006, 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. In 2013 he was promoted to detective and transferred to the sheriff’s Detective Bureau where he was assigned to fugitive recovery duties. Throughout his career, Sergeant Ficacci has also served as a team member of the sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit, supervised the sheriff’s internship program, and conducted numerous criminal investigations. A graduate of the Bergen County Law & Public Safety Institute 97th Basic Police Class, Sergeant Ficacci is also a recipient of multiple military awards and the sheriff’s Achievement Award. Following this promotion, Detective Sergeant Ficacci will be assigned to supervise detectives serving in the sheriff’s Detective Bureau. Sheriff Strada thanks both of the above members for their service and congratulates them on their new positions. Pictured from left to right: Sergeant Kieran McMorrow, Sheriff Michael F. Strada and Detective Sergeant William Ficacci.

< Back Dingmans Ferry woman arrested for DWI in Frankford Township Arrested: Jamie L. Zita, age 26, of Dingmans Ferry, PA. Previous Next On Saturday, August 31, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide DWI campaign, Sheriff’s Officer Scott Haggerty observed a dark colored Honda Civic, operated by Jamie L. Zita, driving in excess of the posted speed limit on CR 655 in Frankford Township. Officer Haggerty pulled the vehicle over and spoke with Ms. Zita. After speaking with her and observing her attempt to perform several sobriety tests, Officer Haggerty determined Zita to be impaired. She was immediately arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. Zita was charged with the following offenses: driving while intoxicated, speeding, reckless driving and failure to exhibit proof of valid insurance. She was given a future date to appear in Frankford Township Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible person. Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling assisted in the arrest.

< Back Medical co-pay policy implemented for inmates A ten dollar fee per physician or dentist visit will be required. Previous Next Sheriff Michael Strada has announced the recent implementation of an inmate medical co-pay policy at the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility. Effective immediately, all inmates will be charged a ten dollar co-pay to see the physician or dentist. By establishing this co-pay, the sheriff’s office hopes to recoup some funds for medical costs and, more importantly, cut back on sick call abuse. Inmates with no funds available will not be denied visitation to the physician or dentist as state law requires that inmates be provided with healthcare. The sheriff’s office can, however, require an inmate to make this co-payment. It is expected that this new policy will be a money-saver.

< Back NY man arrested in Sparta for DWI Arrested: Jonathon Sung Back, age 19, of New City, NY. Previous Next On Sunday, August 18, 2013, while assigned to countywide DWI enforcement as part of the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, Sergeant John Gray observed a black BMW, operated by Mr. Back, speeding and failing to maintain his lane on Route 94 in Sparta Township. Sergeant Gray initiated a motor vehicle stop and interviewed Mr. Back. Upon further investigation, Sergeant Gray determined Mr. Back was intoxicated. Additionally, Back was found to be in possession of a quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Back was arrested and transported to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing. He was issued summonses for DWI, speeding, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, possession of an open container/alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) in an amount less than 1/2 ounce, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia Back was given a future court date to appear in Sparta Township Municipal Court and released to the care of a responsible party. Sheriff’s officers Samantha Schilling and Johnny Swords assisted in the arrest.

< Back Upcoming sheriff's sales of assets Two separate sales are scheduled for December. Previous Next Docket #SSX-L-489-10 Tamara and Darrell Russian vs Alessi Moving and Storage Inc., Charles Alessandrini, Highlands Self Storage, LLC, Jonathan Brett (individually and trading as Highlands Self Storage), JFB Enterprises LLC On Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., the following property will be sold at a public sale on the premises of D & E Service Center, 726 US Highway 206, Andover, NJ: 2001 Isuzu Box Truck VIN JALE5B14417902663 white in color Docket #FM 19-39-05 Richard Gannon vs Lauren Russell On Tuesday, December 11, 2012 Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m., the following assets will be sold at a public sale on the premises of AA-1 Storage located at 155 Brooks Flat Rd, Ogdensburg, NJ: One 1998 Caterpillar 320B Excavator, Vin 4MR00432 One John Deere 450E Dozer, Vin # T0450EC742076 One 1998 Caterpillar 312B, Excavator Vin # 9HR02433 All items are sold in an ‘as is’ condition. Purchaser must pay purchase price at the time of sale in cash or certified check made payable to the Sussex County Sheriff and remove the items following the sale. The sheriff reserves the right to adjourn these sales; the foregoing scheduled dates are subject to change. For more information. contact the Civil Process Unit at 973.579.0850.

Emergency Management Emergency Management Coordinator: Sheriff Michael F. Strada Deputy Coordinator: Sheriff’s Officer Steve Sugar Deputy Coordinator: Corporal James Aumick The Division of Emergency Management is a county-level emergency service required by statute that coordinates all available resources to serve the needs of Sussex County during times of emergency events and disasters. ​ In carrying out its responsibilities, the division oversees the emergency management activities of all county agencies and Sussex County's twenty-four municipalities. Each municipality has an emergency management coordinator with whom this division interacts and the coordinators, in turn, interact at the local level with police, fire, EMS, public works, public health, schools, etc. ​ Preparing for and carrying out all emergency functions—also known as comprehensive emergency management—is accomplished in four phases. A description of these phases and the division’s role in each are described below. ​ Mitigation The division has developed a county-wide pre-disaster all-hazards mitigation plan that has identified hazards and vulnerabilities in all of Sussex County's twenty-four municipalities. ​ Preparedness Under the supervision of this division, the county and all twenty-four municipalities have certified Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) that are reviewed annually and recertified every four years. The purpose of the EOPs is to give guidance to emergency responders in emergencies and disasters. The division also assists other public and private nonprofit agencies in developing their own specialized EOPs. Radiological Emergency Information for Residents (374 KB) Radiological Emergency Information for Farmers (473 KB) Response The division has the responsibility to be aware of and coordinate the response of all emergency resources requested by the incident commander of an emergency or disaster. Recovery If a disaster strikes in Sussex County, the division coordinates a thorough preliminary damage assessment with the affected municipalities. Non-insured losses are totalled and reported to the state. In the event of a presidential disaster declaration, the division then coordinates with the state and FEMA to recover the non-insured public sector losses. ​ In addition to the foregoing, the Division of Emergency Management presents training and educational programs including personal emergency preparedness, access and functional needs and incident command for responders. The division also oversees two community alert programs , Swift911™ and Register Ready, that are of tremendous service to the public. ​ For further information or assistance, contact the division at 973.579.0380 or via e-mail . ​ Emergency Management Coordinators ​ Municipality Name Phone Andover Boro John Hoag 973.786.6688 Andover Twp. Eric Danielson 973.383.5544 Branchville Jeff Lewis 973.948.4626 Byram Todd Rudloff 973.347.4008 Frankford Jeff Lewis 973.948.5566 Franklin Jim Williams 973.827.9280 Fredon Keith Festa 973.383.7025 Green Twp. Christopher Lopanik 908.852.9333 Hamburg Keith Sukennikoff 973.827.9230 Hampton Ed Hayes 973.383.5570 Hardyston William Hickerson 973.823.7020 Hopatcong Wade Crowley 973.770.1200 Lafayette Rick Hughes 973.383.1817 Montague Dave Coss 973.293.7300 Newton Daniel Finkle 973.383.2525 Ogdensburg Rick Keslo 973.827.3444 Sandyston Shane Houghtaling 973.222.5533 Sparta Jeffrey McCarrick 973.729.6121 Stanhope Wayne Anthony 973.347.0159 Stillwater Lisa Chammings 973.383.9484 Sussex Floyd Southard 973.875.4831 Vernon Ken Clark 973.764.6155 Walpack Sheriff Strada 973.579.0850 Wantage Joe Konopinski 973.875.7192