I was accused of stealing over 10,000 in goods when I only took 100 which is on video? would I be arrested?

Question

I was a employee for a fast food place in which I took $100 worth of drinks which is on video, I was 18 then. A total of 18,000 in goods was stolen that year, probally by other employees who I have seen but none currently work there. So I cant be intouch with them, Now my employer has tried contacting me If he asks me for repayment for the 18,000 and I refuse, Can I pay him for what he has on video, Or can he have me held responsible for 18000? Its been two years.

Answer 1

They cant do that.  You can only be liable for the amount you stolen, plus corresponding civil and criminal liabililites.  You can not be held liable for the crime of the others unless you mastermined it under the priciple of the act of one is the act of all.  If I were you, I would ask for forgiveness by paying what you actually stole and saying that you will not do it again.  It is not good to take advantage of the things you didnt earn or not due to you.  It's not yet too late to change, as sometimes we are resorted to stealing or cheating not because we wanted it but sometimes it is out of necessity or survival.  Just live within your means, and work hard for everything you want in life.

Answer 2

Technically, it is possible but highly unlikely. The burden of proof is on him and it would take more than a simple video to convince anyone.

Your record (if any) will be considered to some extent if it is clean.

It's more complicated than that but I doubt that you would be held responsible for the entire amount based on what you provided.

Most lawyers give a free consultation and laws are different from county to county, so your best bet would be to go that way.

Answer 3

He has to prove your guilt.   He can prove you took $100 so you may as not argue about that.   Pay him the $100.   If he wants more he will have to press charges.   If he has no proof,   he will have no luck winning.   However,  if he has proof,  you are hosed.    The question is,   how much did you steal and does he have proof?

Answer 4

Well unfortunately when you are a thief you get blamed for other thieves. Pay all 18,000 would be my advice.

Answer 5

They would have to be able to prove that you stole that amount of goods. But, some businesses have a basis for repayment of employees that steal. Its not just what you were caught with. But to make you repay what you might have stolen but not got caught with. A Walmart employee was caught stealing $20 worth of stuff, but could be charged $250 for restitution for what they stole but werent caught with and they have no choice but to pay it. Its unfair, but its how it is. Plus whatever the court system adds to it. But I would not think that a judge would make you pay $18000 when you were only videoed with $100. I think he is trying to scare you in to paying more.