Couple faces charges after shoplifting incident

VERNON — Two people face charges after township police responded to an attempted shoplifting at A&P.

James Spratley, 35, of Montclair and the Sussex Motel ws charged with shoplifting, possession of heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. His 19-year-old wife, Briana Mattson was charged on a warrant.

Police said a witness identified Spratley, who the witness saw putting baby formula and teeth whitening strips into a baby bag while in the presence of an infant. The items had a combined value of $485, police said.

Spratley told police than an adult female relative had left with the infant before police arrived.

According to police, after taking Spratley into custody, they discovered Mattson had a $1,000 warrant from Vernon Township Municipal Court. Police said Patrolman Gentle located her at The Sussex Motel and saw a heroin bag in plain sight. After a search — with her consent — police said they found numerous heroin bags in the trash, used hypodermic needles and other drug paraphernalia.

Spratley was sent to the Sussex County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail and Mattson was sent to the jail on the warrant.