Officer charged in steroid probe

By Nathan Mayberg
NEWTON — A Sussex County Sheriff's Office correction officer has been arrested and two other correction officers have been suspended as part of investigations into steroid use.

Kevin Cole, 41, of Andover, was charged in March by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office with third-degree conspiracy to possess anabolic steroids.

Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada recently announced the arrest and said the office has been conducting its own internal investigation to determine if any other officers were involved.

On Friday, Strada said two other correction officers have been suspended without pay as a result of the investigation.

Strada declined to name the other individuals, citing New Jersey State Attorney General's Office guidelines.

All three are waiting on procedural hearings that will determine their future status with the department, he said.

In a statement, Strada said Cole will be suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal charges against him.

Strada said he will release the results of his office's investigation once it is completed.

In a prepared statement, Strada said "No officer is above the law. We will continue to hold our officers and employees accountable for their actions and we will continue to uphold the integrity of our organization. It is important that the citizens of Sussex County realize that the actions of a few should not speak for the rest. You have very hard working committed officers here at your Sheriff’s Office who work hard day in and day out to provide the services that you expect. We will continue to protect the citizens of our county and provide the services you deserve."

Strada said Cole was arrested as a result of an investigation begun by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office.

Cole is a veteran corrections officer with the department and had no history of disciplinary issues "that I'm aware of," Strada said.