Charges After Restitution

[hp.lovecraft]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: NJ

I have a 19 year old friend who worked for Walmart for a while and while he was there he stole some broken electronic goods from the claims area.

Eventually he was caught and brought to the back room where he was confronted by 3 Asset Protection Managers, one of whom belonged to his store.

They never revealed what they had on him so he didn't admit to anything without prompting (ex. they said "what about the cameras?" etc.) all the while saying how they wouldn't call the police or press charges if he cooperated.

In the end they asked for an approximate amount of lost he thinks he caused so he started off low ($200) and worked up to an amount they would accept ($1000). He then was made to sign a paper stating how he agreed to pay the $1000 and a payment plan of 12 months starting 1 month from that date. Then he had to write out on a paper something to tell his manager because management is not allowed to have any information concerning this manner.

He BS'd his way about it, writing how sorry he was for breaking their trust but with no specifics. They told him all he had to do was pay and it would be over and the AP manager to his store said how she didn't want to ruin his life by making it a criminal charge and how it was a stupid mistake and everything will be alright.

Upon receiving a bill from the law firm Walmart said they where using he asked around and someone told him that Walmart, K-mart, and Target use the restitution payment as an admission of guilt and proceed to press charges on them after receiving the money.

Is there any validity to this claim?
Should he not make payments and instead seek out an attorney?
If this is true, what is the best course of action?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Has he been charged, or not?

If he has been charged, his lawyer can review the document and see if it contains anything that could be construed as an admission or confession.

If not, he'll have to wait and see what happens.