Theft As Macy's Employee

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Ohio

My employer Macy's suspects me of stealing. Loss prevention stopped me outside of the store in the mall parking lot and asked to look into my personal bags. There's no way for them to know if i had anything unless they looked into my book bag or did so prior without my knowledge. So I refused and they began to grab after me and said they had a warrant. So I took off knowing I had a bench warrant and could be taken down town. I have never stolen anything before and have no criminal record. Macy's loss prevention now wants me to come in and talk to them. Should i do this? Would they be able to detain me? What are the best and worst case scenarios?

You need a Criminal Defense Lawyer.

(1) to deal with your bench warrant. The longer you wait, the worse it will get.
(2) to answer why you ran, instead of stopping for L.P.

Yes, there is a way for Macy's to know if you stole. It's called CCTV and videotape.

The area that my bag was kept in had no cameras or surveillance. Would it be wise for me to go and talk with them on their property? Or should I just retain a lawyer and turn down there request?

I notice that you do not claim innocence, only that "they cannot prove it" which may or may not be true. Just because you didn't see any cameras doesn 't mean they were not there.

Get a lawyer.

Why do you have a bench warrant if you have no previous criminal record?

Also...expect to be fired, and don't expect to collect Unemployment.

Quote:

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Quoting cyjeff

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Why do you have a bench warrant if you have no previous criminal record?

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I think she's confused by their response to her attempt to prevent a search, "So I refused and they began to grab after me and said they had a warrant." They, of course, would not have either a bench or search warrant as she's told us that they're private security.

You should go talk to them. It is probably a violation of policy to refuse a bag check. Did you steal? They more than likely put a hidden camera up. You want to talk to them and tell them your side of the story because otherwise they can tell the cops whatever they want. Unfortunately they probably won't talk to you if you have a lawyer at the store.

A couple of questions...

Did you steal?

What is your bench warrant for?

Do you have the number to the hr dept? They can help mediate.

Let us know more specifics and we can help.

Clearly bam! does not work in HR if he thinks they will mediate between an employee who got caught stealing and the employer store.

If the others are right and there was no prior crime, no warrant...

You will still likely lose your job. All you had to do was open your bag, purse, and allow inspection. And actually, this is required of MOST retail employees when leaving the store.

Since you did not do that...you can be fired for violating a policy, which is likely in the employee handbook. I had to do it at Meijer, Kohl's, and Best Buy. Best Buy - you even have to hand them your coat/jacket for a pat down as you left your shift.

If you are a vendor at a store...expect the same. Demonstrating a product at CostCo, your jacket and purse are inspected as you leave.

I was once asked to show what was in my hands as I left Meijer. My car keys. I stopped, showed my keys, "Thank you ma'am" and no big deal.