Caught Shoplifting

I was caught shoplifting at Hannaford grocery store in massachusetts. It was a pack of 15 dollar razors and i just walked out with it it wasnt concealed. I was freaking out and crying but the guy was okay about it but he told me he had to fill out some paperwork to put me in their system and that i wouldnt be in the paper or anything. He didn't call the police and said they usually don't pursue anything when it involves small amounts and that he catches people shoplifting hundreds of dollars worth of stuff. I'm still allowed to shop there but if it happens again they have to call the police. But then he gave me a notice saying that they could legally pursue it and if they decided to i would get something in the mail. I asked what that meant and he said basically i could get a letter in the mail saying to pay the $15 or something he didnt even say anything about extra fees. The only problem is that I'll be out of the country for 4 months so if they send me something I wont be able to respond. He said he would note that in the report but I'm getting really concerned. What are the chances that they will pursue it? I'm freaking out. If i'm out of the country I'm obviously not ignoring it on purpose.

I would advise you to have someone checking your mail for you, or to have your mail sent to your foreign address.

WHEN the letter arrives...it will not be for $15.00. It will be $150+. If not paid, it could lead to a Civil Lawsuit against you, and the amount would be much higher (their legal fees, etc); and then if unpaid it would be reflected on your credit history. So when/if that letter arrives, you want it paid immediately.

I told the LP guy that i would be abroad for 4 months so if i received a letter I wouldn't be here to answer it and he said he would note that in his report. Does that mean I probably won't get a letter? He didn't even mention anything about civil demand.

No, it doesn't mean you probably won't get a letter. It means that they may send it anyway, or they may delay sending it till you come back.