My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington
I had a very bad experience in a small mom-and-pop style establishment recently. I was shopping with two other people and while there had placed an item less than $10 in value in my open purse - without being too specific this store primarily sells large, bulky items and I needed both of my hands free. At one point I walked up to the counter where one of the people I came with was checking out to ask her a question, and an employee asked me if they could "help" me. I said no, and that I was with my friend. The employee then stated that she saw me put an item in my purse in a very accusatory tone. I was flustered and embarassed by this, but explained that I was still shopping. I then gathered the rest of my purchases and took them up to the register wanting to leave as quickly as possible, while the same woman rang me up. She didn't say anything further about the incident, and acted resentfully polite. I paid with my debit card and even told her the name of my college for a discount because, in my opinion, I did nothing wrong and had no intent to steal. Now I am wondering if she could legally go as far as to call my school or use my debit card to get my personal information and press some kind of charge for willfull concealment, because she obviously felt that I had done something wrong. I have no criminal record and I feel like she would be leaving herself open to defamation charges if she got my school involved in any way but I am still worried. Thank you.

