Shoplifting, Larceny, Robbery, Theft Didn't leave the store

[jab69]

I was a manager at a store. I had merchandise in store bags that I took up front with the intention of putting on layaway the next day. Employees hold merchandise up there all the time in bags or hidden. When I went to set the alarm the district lpm came out and said to come with him. He took me to the back and emptied the bags. He asked if I had the money to buy it now. I said no. He asked if I did it before and I said I didn't know what he was talking about. I did not write any statement..nothing. The next thing I know the police were there. He said he wasn't going to read me my rights. I was fingerprinted and they took my picture. They said I would receive a summons in the mail. How can they charge me when I didn't leave the store with any merchandise? He also said there was another incident? I said I have no idea what he was talking about. He said they couldn't find the transaction for stuff I left with 2 weeks prior. I buy a lot of stuff so I have no idea. They didn't even say I was fired. Can they do this?

 

[thelawjournal]

Since they did they can. Now part of the problem here is we dont know where this place is you put merchandise is relation to exit or time of day or even state. It does sound like you might have a reasonable defense. Much will depend on the evidence the LPM has against you and what DA thinks about it. You should consult an Attorney to discuss options do not talk to DA or Police without an Attorney present sign no documents!

 

[StoreDetectiveVet]

In some states concealment is a crime. You have to look at it from LP point of view, you have concealed unpaid merchandise in bags at the front of the store where you are manager.

Were security tags on the items? Hangers? Tags? If you had layaway, why not hold it back there? Did you conceal these items in full view of others or in a stock room or out of view of fellow employees?
These are just a few questions I have.

As for fired or not, odds are you are on suspension. But I would expect to be terminated soon.

 

[NormanJr]

Even employee concealment?

I think there is more to the story than the OP is telling us. If the LP stopped them there had to be numerous factors to prove intent. LP do not stop people just for the hell of it.

I also suspect the OP will be terminated soon based on numerous policy violations alone.

 

[StoreDetectiveVet]

Even employee concealment?

I think there is more to the story than the OP is telling us. If the LP stopped them there had to be numerous factors to prove intent. LP do not stop people just for the hell of it.

I also suspect the OP will be terminated soon based on numerous policy violations alone.

We've gotten rid of employees for concealing on the sales floor/stick room, didn't charge them but fired them.

I too feel there is more to this story.......]

 

[NormanJr]

Even employee concealment?

I think there is more to the story than the OP is telling us. If the LP stopped them there had to be numerous factors to prove intent. LP do not stop people just for the hell of it.

I also suspect the OP will be terminated soon based on numerous policy violations alone.

We've gotten rid of employees for concealing on the sales floor/stick room, didn't charge them but fired them.

I too feel there is more to this story.......]

I agree with you that there is way more to the story that what the OP says.

True I guess employees concealing on the sales floor or stock room is mishandling merchandise and thus a terminable offense.

 

[jab69]

I am in PA. I had the merchandise in bags in a shopping cart next to the service desk which is at the front of the store but the cart was not near the entrance/exit. All hangers and tags, packaging was intact. It was closing time at the store and an employee was with me waiting to set the alarm. There were also 4 other employee's stocking in the store. when he "apprehended" me I was on the inside of the service desk area and the cart was on the outside of the service desk area. Prior to it being brought to the front it was in the office in full view of other managers and employees going in and out. I did not put them in layaway because our DM questions merchandise there. Therefore I did what the other employees do bring it to the front. As, I said he mentioned another incident involving shoes two weeks prior. Yes, I did buy things shoes too. No, I don't have the receipt anymore they were clearance items and not returnable anyway. Why they can't find the transaction, I have no idea we don't get a discount on sale or clx. items so I didn't use my discount card. But I am sure it's there somewhere we probably had 1000+ tranactions that day on 7 -10 different registers open. I have tried looking for transactions and can't find them for customers. So, I guess someone questioned whether I paid for the items two weeks prior and they couldn't find the transaction so that is why they were looking for something. Their motive we recieved another manager about 6 months ago who was demoted to an assisstant manager and we got him. He is old buddies with my SM ( SM's stick together) So, we are one manager over our budget....hmmm...we are suppossed to have 3 managers. One who has been there 25 years, Me, female 3 years, and male of middle east decent with about 6 months less seniority than me. I have had some health issues and the 2 weeks prior to this incident I was on disability, maybe that peed them off. So, my guess is I am the one to go...fine I don't have a problem with that but if this is why they are doing this it is wrong. This store does not have a good track record for female managers.
Thats the story, what am I not telling you?
Oh, I did receive a letter that is a copy of a letter sent to domestic relations that I no longer work there. Nothing else.

 

[thelawjournal]

The firing was not illegal and since charges were not pressed its over