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Sussex County, NJ

Stanhope Man, Father Of Two, Missing Since May Stanhope Man, Father Of Two, Missing Since May
Stanhope Man, Father Of Two, Missing Since May Dan Butkus, a 36-year-old Sussex County resident, has been missing since Friday, May 16, his family said. Butkus was last seen leaving his apartment in the 500 section of Stonegate Village in Stanhope, his aunt Peggy McNichol Peterson said. He left his wallet, cellphone and glasses behind, Peterson said. He has light brown hair, brown eyes and is 5'11", weighing between 170 and 200 pounds, Stanhope Police said. "His family and friends believe his disappearance is suspicious and are concerned for his safety and well-being," Stanhope Police said.  Police said they searched the apa…
Hopatcong Band Director Was Sexting In Classroom: Police (UPDATE) Hopatcong Band Director Was Sexting In Classroom: Police (UPDATE)
Hopatcong Band Director Was Sexting In Classroom: Police (Update) A Sussex County school band teacher has been charged with lewdness, authorities said. Records show Albert J. Cerulo III was charged with lewdness, specifically, observed by a child under 13 years old, at least four years younger than he is. The offense date was Monday, June 2, the NJ Courts site shows. Hopatcong Police Lt. Ryan Tracey pointed at the "nowhere in the [criminal] complaint does it state that the conduct involved a student." "The charge specifically alleges that Mr. Cerulo, while employed as a teacher at Hopatcong Middle School, engaged in lewd conduct by sending images of his …
Franklin $1.5M Winner Drove 100 Miles To Claim Lottery Ticket: 'I Couldn't Sleep/ Franklin $1.5M Winner Drove 100 Miles To Claim Lottery Ticket: 'I Couldn't Sleep/
Franklin $1.5M Winner Drove 100 Miles To Claim Lottery Ticket: 'I Couldn't Sleep/ A Sussex County lottery player won $1.5 million playing Jersey Cash 5, and was so anxious about the ticket, they drove 100 miles to claim it first thing Monday morning, state officials said. The winning ticket — worth $1,517,266 — was purchased at Quick Chek #77, located at 180 Route 23 in Franklin, the New Jersey Lottery said. “I couldn’t remember the store I bought the winning ticket in,” the winner said. “I couldn’t sleep at all last night. I didn’t want that ticket lying around. I was afraid I’d lose it.” The win marks the 30th Jersey Cash 5 jackpot of 2025, and the sixth this year to …
Registered Sex Offender Admits Instructing Sparta Woman To Perform Sex Acts On Toddler: Feds Registered Sex Offender Admits Instructing Sparta Woman To Perform Sex Acts On Toddler: Feds
Registered Sex Offender Admits Instructing Sparta Woman To Perform Sex Acts On Toddler: Feds A Sussex County, NJ, woman and a Texas man admitted to exploiting a child and producing child pornography, as well as to other child pornography offenses, authorities said. Dominique Saczawa, 34, of Sparta, and Russell Lynn Davis, Jr., 47, of Heller, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said. Court documents say Saczawa admitted to sexually exploiting a then-4-year-old by engaging in sexual contact and then producing images and videos of that sexual contact. She also admitted to sharing these videos and…
$3.88M Lakefront Mansion Is Sussex County's Most Expensive Listing $3.88M Lakefront Mansion Is Sussex County's Most Expensive Listing
$3.88M Lakefront Mansion Is Sussex County's Most Expensive Listing A show-stopping, custom-built lakefront mansion is on the market at $3.88 million, making it Sussex County’s most expensive residential listing. Located at 1 Lakeview Point Ave. on Culver Lake in Frankford, this estate offers more than just real estate—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a private luxury compound with 300 feet of pristine waterfrontage, according to listing agent Joshua Baris of NJLux. 1 Lakeview Point Ave. NJLux 1 Lakeview Point Ave. NJLux Built in 2017, the 8-bedroom, 8-bathroom home sits on 8.03 gated acres and spans over 8,000 square fee…
Mountain Creek Waterpark Brings Back Cannonball Falls, Tarzan Swing Mountain Creek Waterpark Brings Back Cannonball Falls, Tarzan Swing
Mountain Creek Waterpark Brings Back Cannonball Falls, Tarzan Swing Mountain Creek Waterpark is making waves with its summer reopening on Thursday, June 20, and two of its most legendary rides are back. The Vernon (Sussex County) waterpark features more than 20 attractions nestled into the mountain landscape.  This year’s biggest splash? The return of Cannonball Falls and Tarzan Swings, two classic fan favorites that date back several decades being revived in a newly designed section of the park called The Gorge. “We’re especially excited about two of our most iconic attractions making their return—Cannonball Falls and the Tarzan Swings,” said Resort …
DRUG BUST: Sparta Man Ran Narcotics Lab Out Local Shop, Cops Say DRUG BUST: Sparta Man Ran Narcotics Lab Out Local Shop, Cops Say
Drug Bust: Sparta Man Ran Narcotics Lab Out Local Shop, Cops Say One man has been charged with operating a drug production facility out of a local storefront in Sussex County, and another is facing charges for distribution, authorities said. Devin Pupo, 38, of Sparta, and Anthony Buff, 25, of Newton, were arrested on Friday, May 23, after an extensive investigation by the Sparta Township Police Department and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil K. Kabse said. Investigators executed search warrants at several locations in Sparta, including two businesses: Green Remedies at 53 Sparta Ave. and Zenshine Smoke Shop at …
Erratic, Speeding Route 206 DWI Jeep Driver Had Open Container: Byram PD Erratic, Speeding Route 206 DWI Jeep Driver Had Open Container: Byram PD
Erratic, Speeding Route 206 DWI Jeep Driver Had Open Container: Byram PD A 35-year-old man was arrested after police say he was driving drunk with an open container of alcohol in his vehicle on Route 206 in Sussex County. The arrest happened just after 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, according to a Byram Township Police Department media release. An officer saw a white Jeep traveling at a low rate of speed, then noticed it weaving between lanes and speeding up and down in an erratic manner, the report said. As officers got closer, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, prompting a traffic stop. Police say the driver, identified as Johnathan Valdez, of Warren, app…
Sussex County Dispatcher Went To ER For Pain, Came Home With Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: Campaign Sussex County Dispatcher Went To ER For Pain, Came Home With Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: Campaign
Sussex County Dispatcher Went To ER For Pain, Came Home With Stage 4 Cancer Diagnosis: Campaign A Sussex County community is rallying behind a longtime 911 dispatcher and mother of two after she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to her liver, loved ones say. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Andrea Wehrenberg says that c, a supervisor at the Sussex County Sheriff's 911 Center, had gone to the emergency room for abdominal pain when she received the devastating diagnosis. “Shannon’s trip to the emergency room for abdominal pain led to the devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer, spreading to her liver, and their lives changed in an instant,” Wehrenberg wrote. “…
Hamburg Dad Bryan Evans Dies Suddenly, 39 Hamburg Dad Bryan Evans Dies Suddenly, 39
Hamburg Dad Bryan Evans Dies Suddenly, 39 Shock and sadness spread following the sudden death of Bryan Evans, a Sussex County father of four. Evans, 39, died on Sunday, April 27 in Morristown, according to his obituary on the Pinkel Funeral Home website. Bryan, of Hamburg was a devoted husband to Laura and a proud father to sons Bryce and Sylas, and daughters Taylor and Aryana, his obituary says. He worked at Givaudan in East Hanover since 2021 and was named Employee of the Month multiple times for his dedication and work ethic, his obit says. He was known for his kind heart, loyalty, and quiet strength. In addition to his wife and…
Teen Airlifted After Car Strikes Tree In Hampton: NJSP Teen Airlifted After Car Strikes Tree In Hampton: NJSP
Teen Airlifted After Car Strikes Tree In Hampton: Njsp A 19-year-old Sandyston resident had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital following a car crash on County Route 519 in Sussex County on the early morning of Friday, April 18, authorities said. At 12:33 a.m., a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was traveling northbound on County Route 519 in Hampton when it veered off the roadway and struck a tree, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for New Jersey State Police said. The driver sustained serious injuries and he was airlifted to the hospital, Lebron said. The crash remains under investigation, Lebron said.
Pair Of $50K Powerball Tickets Sold In NJ Pair Of $50K Powerball Tickets Sold In NJ
Pair Of $50K Powerball Tickets Sold In NJ It was a wonderful Wednesday for two Powerball players in New Jersey. Tickets sold in Sussex County and Middlesex County, respectively, matched four numbers and the red Powerball in the drawing held on Wednesday, April 9, winning $50,000. The tickets were sold at US Gas on Main Street in Sussex and Welsh Farms on Gatzmer Avenue in Jamesburg.  The winning numbers were 4, 29, 37, 55, 67 and the red Powerball was 10.
Former Tenafly Cop Convicted Of Killing Husband In 'Freak Accident' Sentenced: Prosecutor Former Tenafly Cop Convicted Of Killing Husband In 'Freak Accident' Sentenced: Prosecutor
Former Tenafly Cop Convicted Of Killing Husband In 'Freak Accident' Sentenced: Prosecutor Joseph Grieco, a former Tenafly police officer convicted of fatally shooting his husband in what he called a freak accident was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Thursday, April 10, authorities said. Grieco was previously convicted of aggravated manslaughter and faced up to 30 years in prison. On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Grieco and his husband John Kelly, a former New York City police officer, were at their Vernon Township home after a night out with friends, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Sahil  Kabse said.  Grieco, who had been drinking, retrieved his handgun, a Gen4 Glock…
EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Boy, 14, Steals Car, Wrecks It 21 Miles From Home EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Boy, 14, Steals Car, Wrecks It 21 Miles From Home
Exclusive: Franklin Boy, 14, Steals Car, Wrecks It 21 Miles From Home A 14-year-old boy is expected to face multiple charges after stealing a vehicle and crashing it more than 21 miles away in New Jersey, sources tell Daily Voice. The Franklin Borough (Sussex County) teen jumped behind the wheel of a vehicle in town and drove all the way to Frelinghuysen (Warren County) early Monday, March 17, according to New Jersey State Police and Daily Voice sources. The vehicle was found wrecked at the intersection of Johnsonburg and Ackerson roads in Frelinghuysen at approximately 4:25 p.m., NJSP Sgt. Charles Marchan said. The vehicle was found unoccupied and …
Speeding Fugitive Captured With $4K In Stolen Merch During Franklin Borough Traffic Stop: Cops Speeding Fugitive Captured With $4K In Stolen Merch During Franklin Borough Traffic Stop: Cops
Speeding Fugitive Captured With $4K In Stolen Merch During Franklin Borough Traffic Stop: Cops A 37-year-old New York fugitive was arrested last month in Sussex County and found with numerous stolen medication, authorities said. On Thursday, Jan 23, Luis Moure was pulled over by police in Franklin Borough after he was traveling at a high rate of speed and improperly passing vehicles on Route 23 South in Hamburg, Franklin Borough police said. A investigation revealed Moure had an outstanding extradition warrant from Virginia, police said. He was also found to be in possession of counterfeit currency and was sought by other New Jersey law enforcement agencies for using fake money and c…
Thousands Of NJ Residents Without Power As Fierce Winds Sweep Through Thousands Of NJ Residents Without Power As Fierce Winds Sweep Through
Thousands Of NJ Residents Without Power As Fierce Winds Sweep Through Thousands of New Jersey residents remained without power Monday morning, Feb. 17, after wind gusts of nearly 70 mph over the weekend. According to the PSE&G outage center, the following areas were in the dark as of 7:50 a.m: Burlington County: 2,400 Camden County: 787 Mercer County: 1,900 According to JCP&L, the same was true for the following customers: Hunterdon County: 2,075 Mercer County: 787 Middlesex County: 3,236 Monmouth County: 6,384 Morris County: 1,600 Ocean County: 3,300 Restoration times are varied. The highest wind gust in the state was 71 mph, …
60 MPH Winds, Heavy Rain Will Batter NJ, PA: Outages, Flooding Possible 60 MPH Winds, Heavy Rain Will Batter NJ, PA: Outages, Flooding Possible
60 MPH Winds, Heavy Rain Will Batter NJ, PA: Outages, Flooding Possible A powerful storm system is sweeping across New Jersey on Sunday, Feb. 16, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, and the potential for flooding and power outages, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). The strongest winds are expected to peak in the afternoon into the evening, with gusts between 50 and 60 mph hitting many areas across the state. The hardest-hit areas for wind gusts include Morristown, Flemington, and Trenton, where winds are forecasted to reach 50 to 60 mph through tonight. Similar gusts are expected in greater Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley, Vineland, and Atlantic …
Bodycam Footage Shows LSD-Fueled Drive Into Vernon Lake: 'I Was Tripping' Bodycam Footage Shows LSD-Fueled Drive Into Vernon Lake: 'I Was Tripping'
Bodycam Footage Shows Lsd-fueled Drive Into Vernon Lake: 'I Was Tripping' A Sussex County woman’s wild, LSD-fueled drive ended with her SUV sinking into a lake—and newly released bodycam footage shows the moment she admitted exactly what went wrong. “I was tripping on acid, this is why this is happening,” 24-year-old Rhiannon Chesaux told officers after she drove her 2005 Honda CR-V straight into Fireman’s Pond on Nov. 11, 2024, according to newly-released bodycam footage obtained by Transparency Bodycam. The chaotic scene unfolded around 6:15 p.m., when Vernon Patrolman Joseph White responded to a call about a crash near County Road 515 and Guthrie Road, accordi…
Former Tenafly Cop Convicted Of Killing Husband In What He Once Called 'Freak Accident' Former Tenafly Cop Convicted Of Killing Husband In What He Once Called 'Freak Accident'
Former Tenafly Cop Convicted Of Killing Husband In What He Once Called 'Freak Accident' A 38-year-old former Tenafly police officer has been convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the fatal shooting of his husband, a retired NYPD officer in 2023 in Sussex County, authorities said. On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Joseph Grieco and his husband, John Kelly had returned to their Vernon home from a night out with friends, Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said. Griceo had consumed alcohol at the Vernon VFW earlier that night and continued to drink while at home with Kelly and friends, Murray said. Early the next day, Grieco retrieved his handgun and began to handle it, despite mu…
Here's Who Got The Most Snow In New Jersey: See The Town By Town Totals Here's Who Got The Most Snow In New Jersey: See The Town By Town Totals
Here's Who Got The Most Snow In New Jersey: See The Town By Town Totals New Jersey experienced a wide range of snowfall from a winter storm that swept through the state on Jan. 19, 2025, with Kinnelon in Morris County topping the charts at a whopping 7 inches, according to reports from the National Weather Service (NWS). Adding to the challenges, a Cold Weather Advisory is now in effect for much of the region from 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 through noon Wednesday, with wind chills expected to drop as low as 7 below zero. Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid hypothermia and frostbite, including wearing proper clothing, keeping pets indoors, and checking o…
Murphy Declares State Of Emergency, New Snowfall Forecast Released As Winter Storm Nears Murphy Declares State Of Emergency, New Snowfall Forecast Released As Winter Storm Nears
Murphy Declares State Of Emergency, New Snowfall Forecast Released As Winter Storm Nears New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency beginning Sunday morning, Jan. 19, right as the National Weather Service released a brand-new snowfall forecast for the winter storm heading toward the region. CLICK HERE FOR LATEST FORECAST AS OF 9 AM JAN. 19, 2025. The storm will begin with scattered showers and a low of 26 degrees Saturday night, Jan. 18, the NWS said. By Sunday afternoon, snow is expected to begin after 1 p.m., with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees. The snow could be heavy at times, with rates exceeding 1 inch per hour, especially in areas northwest of the…
Person With Assault Rifles On Car Shot In Byram, Officers Hospitalized: Report Person With Assault Rifles On Car Shot In Byram, Officers Hospitalized: Report
Person With Assault Rifles On Car Shot In Byram, Officers Hospitalized: Report Multiple officers were hospitalized after a shooting involving a person with assault rifles on their vehicle Monday evening, Jan. 13 in Sussex County, according to NBC New York and the New Jersey State PBA. NBC New York shared photos of a red sedan that appeared to have multiple assault rifles attached to it parked in a wooded area of Byram Township. Citing a senior law enforcement officer, NBC4 says someone got out of the vehicle and police opened fire. The person was hospitalized with a gunshot wound to the neck, however, it was not immediately clear whether or not the gunshot w…
Dog Rescued After Falling In Heating Vent In Green Township: NJSP Dog Rescued After Falling In Heating Vent In Green Township: NJSP
Dog Rescued After Falling In Heating Vent In Green Township: Njsp A dog is safe after they fell into a heating vent in Sussex County on the evening of Friday, Jan. 10, authorities said. At 7:24 p.m.,  officers responded to Hedden Road in Green Township on a report of a dog trapped in ductwork, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. Upon arrival, police discovered the small dog had fallen into a heating vent, Lebron said. The dog was safely removed from the vent, and no injuries were reported, Lebron said.
Crash Knocks Down Utility Pole In Wantage: NJDOT Crash Knocks Down Utility Pole In Wantage: NJDOT
Crash Knocks Down Utility Pole In Wantage: Njdot A crash knocked down a utility pole on Route 23 in Sussex County on Friday, Jan. 10, authorities said. The crash occurred at 9:46 a.m. on Route 23 near County Road 519 and Greenville Road in Wantage Township, the New Jersey Department of Transportation said. All lanes closed and detoured, the NJDOT said.
Kittatinny Regional High School Closed Again After Power Outage Kittatinny Regional High School Closed Again After Power Outage
Kittatinny Regional High School Closed Again After Power Outage For the second time this week, a high school in Sussex County closed due to a power outage. Kittatinny Regional High School was closed on Thursday, Jan. 9 due to the outage, the superintendent announced. "Due to the ongoing power outage at KRHS, with no anticipated restoration time, KRHS will be closed," Dr. Craig Hutcheson said. "We apologize for any inconveniences this may create, but we do not know when we will have power restored. Thank you for your patience & understanding." The school also closed on Tuesday, Jan. 7 due to an outage, though the power was initially restored. …
Barn Engulfed In Flames In Two-Alarm Sussex County Fire: Colesville FD Barn Engulfed In Flames In Two-Alarm Sussex County Fire: Colesville FD
Barn Engulfed In Flames In Two-Alarm Sussex County Fire: Colesville FD A two-alarm fire caused a barn to be consumed by flames in Sussex County on Monday, Jan. 6, authorities said. At 11:39 a.m., troopers and firefighters responded to the structure fire on Coykendall Road in Wantage Township and found a barn fully engulfed in flames, Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said. Due to the amount of fire, a 2nd alarm was tolled, requesting additional manpower to the scene, the Colesville Fire Department said.  No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, Lebron said.
1,000 Without Power In Sussex County As Wind Whips 1,000 Without Power In Sussex County As Wind Whips
1,000 Without Power In Sussex County As Wind Whips New Jersey residents are bracing for a cold and windy day on Tuesday, Jan. 7, with high temperatures barely reaching freezing across the state, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) in Mount Holly. Daytime highs are expected to range from 28°F in Wantage to 33°F along the Jersey Shore in towns like Long Branch and Atlantic City. Inland areas, including Trenton, Flemington, and Vineland, will see highs of about 31°F to 32°F. Adding to the challenges, 1,113 Sussex County residents were without power as of 9:22 a.m., according to local reports. The outages include: Branchville: 448…
Newark Man Arrested For Liquor Store Break-In: Franklin Borough Police Newark Man Arrested For Liquor Store Break-In: Franklin Borough Police
Newark Man Arrested For Liquor Store Break-In: Franklin Borough Police A 36-year-old Newark man was recently arrested for breaking into a Sussex County liquor store and taking alcohol, police said. Angel Soler used a tool to break the glass sliding door of Right Bottle at Sterling Plaza, Franklin Borough police said. Soler gained entry to the cash register, removed bottles of alcohol and a tablet belong to the store, police said. Soler was charged burglary, theft of movable property, and criminal mischief, police said. He was also arrested by the Passaic County Sheriff's Office on unrelated charges, police said.
Damaging 40 Garbage Trucks Gets Sussex County Man Probation: Prosecutor Damaging 40 Garbage Trucks Gets Sussex County Man Probation: Prosecutor
Damaging 40 Garbage Trucks Gets Sussex County Man Probation: Prosecutor A 59-year-old Stanhope Borough man was sentenced to three years probation on Friday, Jan. 3, after he broke into a waste management facility last year and damaged 40 garbage trucks, authorities said. Last May, Robert Bechaud broke into a Waste Management facility in Lafayette Township, damaging 40 garbage trucks and support vehicles by breaking windows, cutting fuel and brake lines and discharging fire extinguishers in the cab and engine compartments, Acting Sussex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray said. Bechaud was also sentenced to 236 days time served, Murray said. He had previously …
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast 6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast The first significant snowstorm of 2025 is expected to hit the region Sunday night, Jan 5, bringing up to 8 inches of snow to parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to begin late Sunday night, continuing through Monday, Jan. 6 before tapering off into Monday night.  Snow accumulations are forecast across the region, with the highest totals predicted in South Jersey (Vineland, Atlantic City, Cape May) and Philadelphia, where snowfall could reach 6 to 8 inches, new weather maps show.  Greater Philadelphia could see 3 t…
Troopers Risk Lives, Earn Top Honor After Armed Standoff At Brachville Motel: NJSP Troopers Risk Lives, Earn Top Honor After Armed Standoff At Brachville Motel: NJSP
Troopers Risk Lives, Earn Top Honor After Armed Standoff At Brachville Motel: Njsp Two New Jersey State Police sergeants were named 2024 Trooper of the Year for their bravery in an incident in Sussex County that involved an armed man having a mental health crisis.  On Tuesday, Jan. 30, Sergeant Marc Nietubyc and Sergeant Roy Rohel Jr. conducted a wellbeing check at a motel in Branchville where a man, armed with an air rifle was making threats to harm himself and other , New Jersey State Police said.  Police secured the area by establishing a perimeter, evacuating nearby rooms, and deploying the Crisis Negotiations Team to contact the man by phone, auth…