Vernon Township Arson ChargesThe two owners of the Jerzeez Diner in Vernon Township recently pleading guilty to arson and admitted to intentionally setting fire to the restaurant.

The suspects, a 49-year-old Butler NJ woman and a 40-year-old Butler NJ man, owned the diner located on Route 94 in Vernon, NJ.

According to Sussex County law enforcement, the suspects used the Internet to look up information about how to start fires with combustible materials. Since their business was struggling, the suspects allegedly decided to burn it down and then collect insurance money.

On March 8, 2016, the suspects drove from their home in Butler to their Vernon NJ restaurant and started the fire.

The suspects were later placed under arrest and charged with third degree arson, a charge that can result in a sentence of 3-5 years in NJ State Prison. However, Sussex County prosecutors have agreed to recommend a lesser sentence in exchange for the suspects admitting culpability and pleading guilty to the arson charges.

The suspects will make an appearance in Sussex County Superior Court, located in Newton NJ, on May 12 so that they can be formally sentenced.

For additional information about this case, read the NJ.com article, “Jerzeez Diner Owners Admit to Burning Down Restaurant.”