Here is my embarassing, humiliating story. I was caught shoplifting recently. It was a 20 dollar item. I am going through severe depression right now, for which I have taken a leave of absence from work. I hold a fairly prestigious position in another retail store three malls down from the department store I was caught in. The malls are separate, but they all connect together via walkways. I have never done something like this before, and have no criminal record whatsoever. I am planning on contacting legal aid for advice, but I am absolutely petrified I will lose my job. If you are charged with theft are the LP officers allowed to disclose information about cases with LP's from different malls or stores? Will our own LP find out about this? I feel like I should go in and resign (as I am still on a leave of absence). Should I quit now to save myself embarassment. I have only told 2 of my closest friends about the incident, and don't plan on telling anyone else. I am racked with guilt and shame, I can't sleep at night. I wish I could take it all back. I have worked so hard to get my life on track the last three years (I had substance abuse problems but have been clean and sober for 2 years now). Also, I lied to the police officer who dealt with me and told him I was a student. I couldn't tell him or the stores lp's where I worked because I was afraid. Should I contact the police officer and tell him the truth. Will I go to jail because I lied? I didn't know what to do. If anyone can offer me some advice I would be so grateful. I am in Canada, and the incident took place in Alberta.

