Police raid novelty shop inside Layton Hills Mall

LAYTON — Police raided a novelty gift shop inside the Layton Hills Mall, seizing 15 boxes of items they said were sexually explicit.

The raid happened Tuesday morning just as Spencer Gifts was opening for business. Police said a search warrant was drafted, seeking numerous items that may violate Utah laws on dealing materials harmful to a minor.

"It's based on several complaints we've received over the last year or so," said Layton Police Sgt. Mark Chatlin. "People complaining about the material they're selling."

Police were investigating if some of the items had been sold to minors, Chatlin said.

While none of the items in the shop are illegal, authorities allege Spencer may have run afoul of the state statute by having sexually explicit items available for purchase and display to minors. Police were vague in their descriptions of the items seized but acknowledged seizing games, food items and items that could be described as "sex toys."

"A lot of game-type related things depicting sexual conduct," Chatlin said. "General items in the shapes of genitals."

No one was arrested, and the case is now being referred to the Davis County Attorney's Office to screen for possible charges or civil action.

"We have no comment," said an employee at the Layton Hills Mall store.

Attempts to reach a representative of Spencer Gifts' corporate headquarters in New Jersey were unsuccessful Tuesday afternoon.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com

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