Shoplifted from Employer

[tralala]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California

I have been stealing a little after work shifts from my employer (retail grocery store chain) over the past month, and I feel terrible about this. I am also scared that I might have been caught. I have several questions.

I've vowed to never do it again, and I feel so bad about this, I wish to give the money for the items I've stolen. Because this is my employer, it is difficult to go up to them and give them the money without incriminating me. If I anonymously send the money to the store, will it help my cause, especially if they are currently investigating me? If they do end up approaching me about shoplifting, will it help that I felt so guilty about this I tried to rectify this via paying back the money?

How do I know whether they are investigating me or not? I haven't heard anything or seen anything, but more and more I am growing paranoid, feeling very anxious and terrible. I've decided shoplifting is never worth it, and hope it will end here, but again, feeling very paranoid.

Is there anything else I can do at this point, without incriminating myself and getting fired??

Thank you!

[free9man]

How do I know whether they are investigating me or not?

If they are any good at their job, you won't until you get pulled in for an interview.

Is there anything else I can do at this point, without incriminating myself and getting fired??

Nope. Just live with the paranoia.

[brownj12]

I've vowed to never do it again, and I feel so bad about this, I wish to give the money for the items I've stolen. Because this is my employer, it is difficult to go up to them and give them the money without incriminating me. If I anonymously send the money to the store, will it help my cause, especially if they are currently investigating me? If they do end up approaching me about shoplifting, will it help that I felt so guilty about this I tried to rectify this via paying back the money?

Giving them money will not help your cause, if they don't trace it back to you then it does nothing. If they do then it is an admission of guilt and you can expect to be fired and prosecuted.

How do I know whether they are investigating me or not? I haven't heard anything or seen anything, but more and more I am growing paranoid, feeling very anxious and terrible. I've decided shoplifting is never worth it, and hope it will end here, but again, feeling very paranoid.

That is the price you have to pay, or at least part of it. You did something wrong, now you feel guilty. There is no way to know if they suspect you or are investigating you. If you are lucky then this stress will teach you a lesson. If not then you are facing being fired, and serious criminal charges.

Is there anything else I can do at this point, without incriminating myself and getting fired??

No, you could quit and hope that you leaving will stop them from pursuing the investigation but there is no guarantee that is necessary or that it would help.

[PandorasBox]

As they have said, sending money anonymously doesn't show you paid so when you do get caught, you don't get any credit for what you paid.

Sending it with your name on it = evidence against you.

I would seriously just start job hunting immediately. Even a McJob. Because there is a high chance of being pulled into the LP office and being fired, and having to explain that gap on your resume, along with answering the "have you ever been fired" question (not to mention the criminal charges, and you would not collect unemployment anyway if fired for shoplifting from the employer). So...take it as a hard lesson learned, get a new job, and do so very fast so they may just say "Dude's gone, whatever". I'd also recommend not visiting the store beyond that for a loooooong time. Seriously, ask for your last check to be mailed, you're new job is keeping you very busy

[tralala]

What about via money order? I would keep the receipt of that money order.

[brownj12]

What about via money order? I would keep the receipt of that money order.

Paying now doesn't make what you did any less illegal.

[cbg]

Doesn't change a thing. If you send it anonymously, it cannot help you with any investigation. How can you be given credit for paying them (regardless of whether you use cash, check, money order, Western Union, Paypal, debit card, or what have you) if they don't know it was you?

[PandorasBox]

And a money order will have a receipt traceable to you.

Just do like I said....get a new job....fast....quit...hope it is put behind you.