Former Empoyers keeping personal property?

[Kathycav]

My state is NJ. Can a former employer keep your personal property (ie. palm pilot, pens, folders) until you pay administrative fees associated with your employment contract? My recent college-grad son owes $400 on a commission-only insurance sales job that he worked at 10 + hours a day and make almost nothing for 9 months. They have locked up his personal property until he pays the rent on his phone and administrative services.

 

[Beth3]

No, they can't. Your son may file a stolen property complaint with the police and see if they will help him. If not, then your son's recourse is to file suit in small claims court; coversely, the employer may also file suit for the money they believe your son owes them.

 

[Kathycav]

Thank you for your response