Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Caught Stealing at Work, Fired, No Charges...

[troubleca]

Hello,

So I after working for roughly ten months in a retail store in California, I was caught and fired for stealing (by undercharging customers and pocketing the difference).

I was taken into the back room of the store and talked to by LP. I foolishly signed a "Personal Statement" (Aka admission slip) saying that I had stolen roughly $650. Afterwards, I was suspended from work.

The next week, my manager called me to come in and told me that the company had let me go. She said that LP told her that they would NOT call the police on me. They also did not ask me to repay the amount stolen, which confused me greatly. Anyhow, it seems that I've gotten off with a fairly decent scenario (no charges thus far, no word on restitution, no jail etc.), but I'm worried that they might try and present me with a civil suit via mail (since I read about that happening on this message board).

So basically I'm wondering if I'm okay, or if I should be fearful of an incoming civil suit. Also, since the police were not involved thus far, does that mean my record is still intact?

Also, I have expressed to my boss that the company has my complete cooperation and I am fully willing to repay them for their losses.

Thanks!

 

[thelawjournal]

There is no way we can speculate if they will seek Civil demand or not. With the amount so high this has reached felony levels in your state so I find odd they have not filed charges. Its possible they are reviewing all evidence in an effort to build a case. I cannot say for certain. I will say this do not speak with anyone from store unless you have an Attorney present

 

[NormanJr]

The company wants their money back. Pay it off as quickly as possible and steal no more. You probably were put into a national theft database...so if you want to work retail again, hurry and get another job, because once in, it is tough to find a place of employment in the retail world.

I don't necessarily find it odd that you didn't get prosecuted, for an employee case $650 is pretty low. Essentially, if I read correctly, you stole customers money. You told them the item was $20, rang it at $10, took their $20 and pocketed the difference. So not only did you cause a monetary loss to the company (on their profit line using unauthorized discounts) you betrayed consumer confidence if they found out the company had crooked thief. If you stole their money, could you have stolen their CC #'s?

It is a busy time of year. You probably will not be prosecuted as it is not worth a company to go after a petty thief like you. But wait until after the first of the year, because that is when all files are generally reconciled and closed.