Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Employee Theft

My boyfriend has been working at a pizza joint for 2 years now. Last week he was fired because his boss believes he has been stealing money.

He didn't steal the money, we have financial paperwork to verify we have had no extra incoming funds, we're just poor college students. First his boss told us he stole $3,000 and now it's $10,000. This is ridiculous and impossible. There are 20-30 employees working on the tills at all times, and all using the same password. The only thing they have to prove his guilt is a ''witness'', who is the owners brother and has despised my boyfriend since his first day and that most of the money was stolen on his shifts. They have no security cameras. His boss is threatening to

call his insurance agency, unless we pay him $3,000 by next week. We don't have this kind of money, nor have we ever. This is my boyfriends last few quarters at the university, and this could dismiss his financial aid. My question: Is it worth it to try and scrounge money together to pay him off or would it be smart to wait until the insurance agency contacts us? What happens now? He has 2 disorderly conduct charges from his past, and I'm afraid that if this went to court he could be charged with a felony and get serious time.


Asked on 3/04/09, 11:49 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
James J. White, attorney Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

Re: Employee Theft

I am glad you asked before you paid. Too many people do the opposite. Absolutely do not pay the money. And don't talk to anyone their except to get contact information (names/address/phone numbers). Paying the money will not protect you from the insurance claim and will not protect you from a criminal charge. If a detective comes to investigate tell them you want your attorney present before answering any questions. Once there, any decent attorney will tell you to not answer anything. The $3000 will be better spent on a lawyer to fight the charge when the time comes. Your boyfriend should speak to absolutely no one about this case except his lawyer. Statements to other people can be used to impeach his testimony later. If you'd like further assistance contact me directly.

At your service,

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Answered on 3/04/09, 2:31 pm


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