Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Oregon

Falsely accused of shoplifting

Today my sister and I(we're 16)were at Sephora. For a long time I noticed that a store assistant was following me around, walking in whatever direction I went. I thought she was just trying to help me in case I needed it, until I walked over to get something and she followed really closely behind me. I asked why she was following me. By then, my sister had come over. The woman said to us that we were on cameras and the police were on their way over. She also kept on warning us to be careful what we buy and leave the store with, and implied we had something in our purses. When I opened my purse to prove her wrong, she got mad and said, ''Did I ask you to open your purse?'' And she said she saw my sister and us talking in the corner, though we were just talking about how much money we had. After the discussion my sister left the store to get our dad, and I quickly got the stuff I wanted to purchase, though at the register my eyes were tearing up and eventually I burst out in tears at this accusation. The woman who checked me out, a manager, talked to me with another store assistant and I told them what happened; they didn't know about it and they told me the police were not coming. Should anything be done?


Asked on 8/31/08, 9:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Colleluori The Law Offices of Anthony J. Colleluori & Associates PLLC

Re: Falsely accused of shoplifting

Unless the action was for some illegal reason (ie you were being profiled) then I doubt having your feelings hurt will cause anyone to bring a legal action against the store. However, if the issue was say racial then it could amount to something.

Finally a strongly worded letter from your dad may result in a firing of the sales associate or a little present from the store. I would have him write the store manager and the corporate legal. He shouldn't mention a law suit only that he is very upset for the way you were treated and that as a kid you deserve better treatment from adults.

Good Luck.

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Answered on 9/01/08, 2:20 pm


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