I was shopping at an Air Force Base Exchange in New Mexico and was arrested for "price swapping" on a pair of earrings. The earrings were on a card and marked at $8.00, similar (slightly different color) earrings were on a card marked at $10.00. I pulled off ONE earring from the $8.00 card to see how low they would hang and returned it to the card. I did the same from the $10.00 card, Since they were so similar, I decided to purchase the less expensive one. I made my purchases (I also purchased a necklace and clothing) and left the store. Outside the store, a store detective detained me and police were called to arrest me. They looked at store video with the detective for about 45 minutes. I was arrested, and given a US District Court Violation Notice that says "Observed on security camera appearing to swap merchandise prices." The police officer said I was doing alot of "handling" of them and that I came back to that area several times - I'm sure I did since I was trying to find something to go with a particular outfit.
The card that the $8.00 earrings were on was apparently for a completely different pair that I never touched at or even looked at.
I wrote out a statement to the police that says essentially what I've said here. I'm trying to have faith that this will all work out but, I'm terrified. I am a civil service employee with a security clearance and I fear for my job and future.
Please help.

