Ex-employee admits to staging robbery at Vernon gas station

Christopher Urban, 49, of Vernon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and theft last week, authorities said.

VERNON -- A 49-year-old Vernon man admitted last week to conspiring with another man in October to rob the Lukoil gas station at which he worked, authorities said.

Christopher Urban, who was employed by the gas station at the time, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and theft for his role in staging the robbery with Matthew Davala, 29, of Highland Lakes, according to the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office.

Davala pleaded guilty to conspiracy and theft in April in connection with the staged robbery. He also admitted to two other thefts: taking cash and checks from his employer on Sept. 20, and stealing jewelry from his parents on Dec. 3, the prosecutor's office said.

Vernon police said in October a gas station attendant, Urban, claimed a male wearing dark pants, a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, white sneakers and a mask covering his face approached him on foot. The man then pointed a firearm at the attendant and demanded money, police said.

After handing over the cash, the man then fled the area on foot, police said.

Authorities haven't said what led them to suspect Urban and Davala.