work theft

[Hungarianwolf]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio.PM
I was terminated from CVS for stealing food to eat, because i didnt make much money. I was hungry.

They actually felt sorry for me. Im an ex com at veteran who was laid off from a great job, couldnt find one and took a job at CVS making way less than I made before. I needed a job. The district manager and LP were extremely polite. Im 52 yrs old and never been arrested or in trouble in my life. This is the first time and it was to eat.

Like I said, I was caught and I knew it. I was wrong, told them I was wrong and signed the paperwork. They told me I was suspended and tbey would explain my story to HR and let me know in a week. Im not stupid, I knew I was going to be terminated. They have to be consistent when disciplining me as they did with other employees. A week later the DSM called me, apologized and told me I was terminated. He didnt say what for, but I thanked him his kind support and I asked him, if I apply for another job may I use him as a reference. He said yes. Well today I received a letter in the mail from CVS lawyers wanting me pay back the $650 plus the fine of $650 which is a total of $1300.

I also remember asking the LP manager at the time they interviewed me, if I apply for another job will this hurt me. He stated that CVS does not participate putting you on that kind of list anymore.

If I pay the fine, will any of this be on my record? Will I be able to get another job? I need a job, I have no family, I need income to live. I just want this fear in my stomach to go away. Ive applied for numurous jobs this week.

Like I said. No police were called and I was told to leave that I was suspended.

Please advise!!

 

[Eekamouse]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Ohio.PM
I was terminated from CVS for stealing food to eat, because i didnt make much money. I was hungry.

They actually felt sorry for me. Im an ex com at veteran who was laid off from a great job, couldnt find one and took a job at CVS making way less than I made before. I needed a job. The district manager and LP were extremely polite. Im 52 yrs old and never been arrested or in trouble in my life. This is the first time and it was to eat.

Like I said, I was caught and I knew it. I was wrong, told them I was wrong and signed the paperwork. They told me I was suspended and tbey would explain my story to HR and let me know in a week. Im not stupid, I knew I was going to be terminated. They have to be consistent when disciplining me as they did with other employees. A week later the DSM called me, apologized and told me I was terminated. He didnt say what for, but I thanked him his kind support and I asked him, if I apply for another job may I use him as a reference. He said yes. Well today I received a letter in the mail from CVS lawyers wanting me pay back the $650 plus the fine of $650 which is a total of $1300.

I also remember asking the LP manager at the time they interviewed me, if I apply for another job will this hurt me. He stated that CVS does not participate putting you on that kind of list anymore.

If I pay the fine, will any of this be on my record? Will I be able to get another job? I need a job, I have no family, I need income to live. I just want this fear in my stomach to go away. Ive applied for numurous jobs this week.

Like I said. No police were called and I was told to leave that I was suspended.

Please advise!!

You stole $650 of food to eat from CVS? How is that possible?

 

[cbg]

Paying the civil demand does not guarantee that no criminal charges will be filed. However, paying the civil demand makes it a lot less likely that criminal charges will be filed.

 

[commentator]

This story REEEKS. Talk about complicated self-justification. There's a whole pattern of thought that leads to this sort of behavior, which is why they give those mental attitude tests at some places.

Laid off from a great job, hm? Then what about unemployment insurance which should've been yours if you were really laid off through no fault of your own? They have special counselors to assist veterans with placement in a new job. Many places are required to give veteran's preference. They will still work with you if for some reason you don't qualify for unemployment benefits.

CVS paid you at least what people have determined is the minimum acceptable wage in this country. If you are going hungry, get yourself out and sign up for SNAP. Talk to them about emergency food assistance and food pantries. You can still qualify for all these things while you are working if as you say, you didn't make much money.

And while you are getting, get yourself back to the VA for counseling. The urge to shoplift is a symptom of some serious adjustment issues, very rarely happens because one is going hungry (unless one's money is going for something else, like drugs and alcohol or gambling.) Poor soldier, just how many cans of Beanie Weenies and frozen dinners did you find it necessary to steal to soothe your hunger before you got your first paycheck? This stuff went out with 17th century France and Jean Valjean.

It sounds like they let you go without pressing charges this time, I wouldn't expect a knock on my door. Most places don't prosecute every single employee they catch stealing, but I will predict that if you do not do something soon about getting help and counseling, you will do it again, and eventually someone will prosecute you.

And do not try to play this "poor veteran" card while looking for other jobs. Talk to the job service counselor for veterans in your local area. I did job placement during and after the entire Vietnam conflict, and most every person I heard play the "poor me I'm a Vietnam vet, I've seen lots of horrors and then I got spit on by that girl in the airport" card was full of it. It insulted the real combat veterans and the whole generation. If you are having issues with addiction or depression that might cause you to dishonor yourself and your service, get help now.