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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    2

    Default Slander by a Store Security Guard

    Here it is:
    After visiting a local liquor store (WA-state run) to check on price, I was leaving with intention to stop on my way back from next door grocery store. While leaving, I hear behind me "Sir, SIR!" When I turned, I saw a man with jacket of "security officer."
    He said, "Sir, would you mind to step outside with me?" (not sure about that "with me") I said "You see that I am leaving anyway."
    Outside, he position himself very closely in a front of me, and started looking me all over, mainly my pockets. (Two in jeans, two in jacket.) He then said "You were in the store." I said, certainly, we just came out of there. "But you didn't buy anything." I told him that I indeed did not buy anything, just checking a price of specific item. At that time, people naturally looking, even stopping, I became a bit upset, told him that his stopping me is without reason, and asked him for ID, since there was no name or number on any of the two badges on his jacket. He refused, and asked me to identify myself. I told him that it is a out of question, and told him that I will identify myself to a police officer and I would appreciate if he call police. He refused, but handing me his cell phone, said "Here, you call them."
    I said no, thank you, but because there is a police station literally next door I told him I am going to get one and be right back.
    Police advised me to talk to a manager and start to resolve this problem that way.
    As I returned, "officer" was gone, and upon my request in the store, a man at the cashier gave me a phone number of the store and first name of the manager. I asked him if the lady has a surname, and if it isn't the same person who was present during my first visit some minutes back. He said yes. After she appeared from the stocking room, I asked her, if she is indeed a manager, and after her affirmative answer, I told her, that the matter certainly cannot be resolved with her, since she was a one who sent the guard after me, and asked her for the name, number of her superior, and that I would also appreciate to know her surname.
    A lady was at his point, probably not expecting things going this way, visibly upset, jotted down the first name and telephone number of her regional director, said that she is not giving me her surname, ("I don't give you my name, I don't give my name to anybody,") and then, LOUD and CLEAR she said "NOW, SUDDENLY YOUR POCKETS ARE EMPTY, ha, SUDENLY THEIR ARE EMPTY."
    It left me speechless for few seconds, after which I told her, madam, are you calling me a thief, you are accusing me of a theft!
    She just starred at me hatefully and said nothing.
    At that point I turned to a male cashier, and told him, "Sir, I am going to call on you as a witness as to the accusatory statement the lady just made about me." He turned to me, and with obvious uneasiness said, "I would have to be subpoenaed for that." I just said that can (will) be arranged, and left the store.
    At that time there was about 8 customers in, of which, I am quiet certain at least 2 know who I am (by living close by, where my family lives for over 13 years) and my wife is more upset than I am, now, when going out, being looked on as a "wife of that man who steals, - a thief."
    Now, what I do. I cannot leave this charge, making me de facto a criminal, without proper response.
    Sorry, for the length of this post, necessary to get a "picture."
    Thanks for any suggestions. -pilgrim-

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Defamation

    You may wish to consult a local lawyer about the viability of a defamation case. Defamation laws vary by state.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    2

    Default Response to advice

    Thanks for suggestion Mr. Knowitall. I hope I'll find one who will give me a hint where I stand legaly in this sitution. From what I know, mine should qualify under defamation per se.
    Unfortunately, I would have to do it "per se," (In Forma Pauperis, that's what is my situation these days) and this sort of cases, I am sure, must be done right. I can put in a time, but got to get somehow an info on step-by-step procedure.
    Wonder, if an attorney will be willing to give me few hints on initial, usually free consultation.
    Thanks for response.

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