Return Fraud in Connecticut

[JonesSoda]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Connecticut

I completely screwed up, I work at a retail establishment and I allowed someone to return something for me that I knew I shouldn't have. I have a strong indication I am likely to now get caught. The item is about $200 and I am thinking about turning myself in in order to make things easier on everybody. I bought something, switched it for a broken item and I think they know I did and I am linked with the person who originally bought it.

So, for knowingly taking a return that was fraudulent how can I be punished? And I will not give up the person who did the return for me, they really didn't know what they were doing. I think I can handle being charged with a misdemeanor, but not a felony because I am planning on going to graduate school.

Thank you so much in advance for any advice you can give.

Also sorry if this sounds confusing, this obviously needs to be vague and I am more nervous than you can imagine. I am usually a good person, but I ran into a snag screwed myself over. I feel really bad....

[PandorasBox]

Right now....just hold on, and pray....I'd take a wait and see approach...

[TheArgumentative]

You haven't been charged, you haven't received a civil demand, you haven't even been caught?

My recommendation would be to reverse the fraudulent return, pay for the item out of pocket to reimburse the store, and follow the store's procedure for correcting a return you made in error. If you correct the fraudulent return before you're caught and don't tell the store you knew it was fraudulent, you may be able to convince them it was an honest mistake. You may not be able to keep your job, but you'll probably avoid criminal charges or paying a civil claim.

[JonesSoda]

Unfortunately, In my case that it is not an option to just fix it and pay out of pocket otherwise I would. My company does not work that way, they would rather prosecute you. I talked to someone trustworthy in a different store and they said I probably do not have much to worry about but maybe I am being a bit paranoid...the manager in question that I'm dealing with is trying to clean house I think.