MORRIS PLAINS — Parsippany resident Joseph Sellars was charged with possession of Heroin on Saturday, November 11 by Morris Plains Township Police Department.
Stop & Shop Loss Prevention Officer stated the male in custody, Mr. Joseph Sellars, proceeded to a self checkout register with three items and only paid for one of the items and placed the other two items in a Stop & Shop plastic bag. The items that Mr. Sellars shoplifted were a bag of sugar and coffee creamer. While in the Loss Prevention Office it was obvious that Mr. Sellares was under the influence of narcotics and/or alcohol.
Mr. Sellars explained to the officers that he takes medication for his panic attacks and that he is prescribed medication to help him. The officer then received the bottle of medication from Mr. Sellars and the prescription bottle contained the prescribed medication as well as four heroin folds.
Mr. Sellars was placed under arrest and read his Miranda warnings by Lt. Michael Rolph. Patrol Officer Michael Kelly then escorted him to the patrol car and transported Mr. Sellars to Police Headquarters.
Mr. Sellars also had other pending charges in an unrelated case. He was issued a criminal warrant and transported to Morris County Jail.
Mr. Sellers was charged with 2C:25-10A(1) Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition and 2C:36-2 – Use or possession with intent to use, disorderly persons offense. The officers advised the store manager and the Loss Prevention Officer that they would have to sign complaints on Mr. Sellars due to the fact the proceeds do not exceed $200.00.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.