Returning Switched Items

This is horrible and I'm sorry it took me this wake call to realize how stupid I've been but I need to know what could possibly happen/ most likely happen:

In WA state I have gotten in the habit of going to a Marshalls store and making large purchases normally over $100 and then going home uses clothing purchased for cheaper at another store and putting the Marshalls tags on those and returning the stuff back to Marshalls, I also did alot of same day returns and use my debit card for the returns. I have done this enough that I think the store might have their suspions of this, last time I tried the girl called her store manager. They wouldn't do the return and said they were going to look at the security tapes and notify their detective....

What type of offense is this, what are the possible penalty's I face, do you think they will review older security footage to add to the case as a "repeat offender". How long is it normally before I hear something?

Let me say I am sitting here with my stomach churning I realized how much I messed up. Can they pursue recourse for past returns if they see one thing bought and later another returned? They didn't except the last return so I can't get in trouble for that one, correct?

Thank you

It's theft, the charge can depend upon the total amount of money involved and the evidence they're able to compile, and it would be quite reasonable under the circumstances for them to review any prior transactions they have on video in which you were returning merchandise. Any time you choose to commit a crime you risk being prosecuted for that crime. There's not a law that says if you get away with a crime at first, you can't later be caught and prosecuted. I don't know what they will turn up in their investigation; it's possible that nothing will happen, but it's possible that they will find grounds to seek a criminal prosecution or to send you a civil demand. You'll have to wait and see.

Quote:

---

What type of offense is this,

---

Theft, and depending on what the actual total you stole is, it could well be a felony.

Quote:

---

what are the possible penalty's I face

---

Fines, restitution, possibly some jail time, probation, and expect to be banned from that store.

Quote:

---

do you think they will review older security footage to add to the case as a "repeat offender".

---

Since they're on to your shenanigans, expect them to do this.

Quote:

---

How long is it normally before I hear something?

---

They have a year to prosecute. If they do, retain counsel. In any case, stay out of that store.

..and stay out of ALL Marshall's and affiliated stores.

Will this go one my record?

If they prosecute, yes.