Returning an Empty Box for Credit

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Utah

Hi everyone I'm new here. I just had a quick question. Lets just say possibly I was at my university book store, and I legitimately bought an item worth under $50. I opened it up, sealed the box and returned the empty box back to the book store for credit. I got a call the next day from the manager of the store (he is a retired cop) and said he wants me to meet in his office concerning an item I returned tomorrow at a given time. Here are the questions I have:

What proof does he need to convict me?
Should I admit to it?
Should I just bring the item back and give it to him?
Should I not show up to the meeting?

I need help here, I don't want to be convicted of anything. This is a stupid thing I might have done. Any advice would be great.

Since he was able to track you down and call you, don't you think he has enough proof? I am guessing there are receipts to start with that you made the purchase and the return.

What you should do right now...is be on the phone with Criminal Defense Lawyers.

The downside is: You're screwed either way.
- You can show up for the meeting and bring the item with you...but this is admitting guilt. And you may find a cop waiting to formally arrest you. Or the shopowner calls the cops once you are in his office. Or the shopowner merely accepts an apology....
- You can skip the meeting and guarantee the Manager will press criminal charges.

You may also find yourself suspended or expelled from the University too. A formal criminal charge may also result in loss of any financial aid/grants.

- - - Updated - - -

Bad news for you. I found an article. And schools do tend to prosecute.

When store security catches someone trying to permanently borrow a book, most of the individuals are remorseful or humble, said bookstore directors for BYU and the U. However, there are still legal ramifications.

"Whenever we apprehend a shoplifter, it's immediately transferred to the police department and out of our hands," Clegg said. "It's handled through the judicial system and the university prosecutes to the fullest."

But they don't have proof of me emptying the box. It could've been the 2nd buyer right? I don't know what to do. I can't afford lawyers.

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Quoting thexpo

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But they don't have proof of me emptying the box. It could've been the 2nd buyer right? I don't know what to do. I can't afford lawyers.

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Did you report that the item was empty when you returned it? Did you reseal it using tape that matches the factory tape used? What second buyer? The store could have discovered it themselves.

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Quoting thexpo

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But they don't have proof of me emptying the box. It could've been the 2nd buyer right? I don't know what to do. I can't afford lawyers.

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What reasoning did you give for the return? There is a very good chance that there was no second buyer, simply that someone found the box you returned to be suspicious, or that they inspect any returned merchandise. I would strongly recommend that you don't admit to anything, I would be shocked if charges aren't pressed.

Is this bookstore owned/run by the school? If not then you may be able to get legal assistance through the school much cheaper than hiring your own lawyer. However if it is owned by the school then since the school is the victim of the crime you can bet that you won't be elligible for this assistance.

I worked at Best Buy and we had to inspect all returns to make sure all parts were there, before either putting it in return bins or repackaging.