fired/escorted out of building

[Beth2009]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ


In a nutshell, I work at an "institute of higher learning." Its been registration week and very hectic. My co-worker could take payments but NOT post them, and was passing them to me, in rapid succession. We had no choice but to do it this way. In the crush of students, one payment of $400 had gone "missing." My coworker, reported the "missing money" and we looked for it, to no avail. They launched an investigation. Oddly enough, I FOUND it "DURING" the investigation. I was "next to go in", I had a Security Guard friend talking to me, WITNESSED me find the money, wrapped inside of a paper handwritten receipt (by my coworker.) It had fallen down between two binders, and wedged somewhat in between our cubicle walls. Well, of course I'm thrilled, I start waving it like an American Flag! However, I'm IMMEDIATLY seen from the that moment, as the "prime suspect." The "interrogation" takes a VERY nasty turn, (how very LUCKY I found it, he says sarcastically......)and he says, "if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a DUCK." I immediately and loudly say, "that's IT....we're DONE!!!"

I was immediately escorted off the premesis....by an armed guard. Forced to give up keys....I never even GOT all my personal belongings.


Bottom line: I've contacted my union who inturn, is contacting a lawyer. I've been advised that I may be forced to simply "walk away." And that I should perhaps consider myself lucky that they aren't pressing charges!

I am HORRIFIED. I am a military wife. High ranking. I have no need nor inclination to steal a CRACKER, let alone $400. I cannot help that I located it when I did. But, all that served to do was put me in the line-up. It my word against the institutes and I'm both shocked and dismayed. Doesn't my embarrassment and humiliation count for anything?

Here's something else. I'd already given my two weeks notice last week. The reason: The commute is too long. My spouse JUST deployed to the Middle East, and we have a daughter. Granted....i only had seven days left to work. But, I feel VERY VERY wronged. I've never had more than a parking ticket in my entire life....and I'm pushing 50.

Does this equate to any type of wrongful termination, slander, or libel? I should be talking to the union lawyer Monday, but the initial vibe I get, is just "don't wake the sleeping giant." Advice? Anyone. Honest (and already well-off Grandma, who has no need to steal)

[Antigone*of*Greece]

Originally Posted by Beth2009

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ


In a nutshell, I work at an "institute of higher learning." Its been registration week and very hectic. My co-worker could take payments but NOT post them, and was passing them to me, in rapid succession. We had no choice but to do it this way. In the crush of students, one payment of $400 had gone "missing." My coworker, reported the "missing money" and we looked for it, to no avail. They launched an investigation. Oddly enough, I FOUND it "DURING" the investigation. I was "next to go in", I had a Security Guard friend talking to me, WITNESSED me find the money, wrapped inside of a paper handwritten receipt (by my coworker.) It had fallen down between two binders, and wedged somewhat in between our cubicle walls. Well, of course I'm thrilled, I start waving it like an American Flag! However, I'm IMMEDIATLY seen from the that moment, as the "prime suspect." The "interrogation" takes a VERY nasty turn, (how very LUCKY I found it, he says sarcastically......)and he says, "if it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a DUCK." I immediately and loudly say, "that's IT....we're DONE!!!"

I was immediately escorted off the premesis....by an armed guard. Forced to give up keys....I never even GOT all my personal belongings.


Bottom line: I've contacted my union who inturn, is contacting a lawyer. I've been advised that I may be forced to simply "walk away." And that I should perhaps consider myself lucky that they aren't pressing charges!

I am HORRIFIED. I am a military wife. High ranking. I have no need nor inclination to steal a CRACKER, let alone $400. I cannot help that I located it when I did. But, all that served to do was put me in the line-up. It my word against the institutes and I'm both shocked and dismayed. Doesn't my embarrassment and humiliation count for anything?

Here's something else. I'd already given my two weeks notice last week. The reason: The commute is too long. My spouse JUST deployed to the Middle East, and we have a daughter. Granted....i only had seven days left to work. But, I feel VERY VERY wronged. I've never had more than a parking ticket in my entire life....and I'm pushing 50.

Does this equate to any type of wrongful termination, slander, or libel? I should be talking to the union lawyer Monday, but the initial vibe I get, is just "don't wake the sleeping giant." Advice? Anyone. Honest (and already well-off Grandma, who has no need to steal)

Just out of curiosity, was this cash or a check?

I can tell you for sure that this does not fall under the wrongful termination category.

You should certainly speak with your union attorney.

[Beth2009]

I'm reluctant to say the name of the college, but it's an inner city community college. I am wondering**************what if I voluntarily request and agree to a polygraph? Which frankly, I'm VERY keen to do. I KNOW that would help "clear my name" of this. And at this point, "clearing my name" is really all I want. I want them to KNOW they've "falsely accused" me of this. I told the union guy that all I REALLY wanted was an apology. He said that wasn't likely. Should I just "walk away?" This feels so terribly, terribly unjust!

[Beth2009]

It was BOTH! The student had paid $400....they gave $200 in cash along with a check. Both forms of payments were then folded in a trifolded piece of paper, and paperclipped together. THAT is what I found down the side of my cubicle. But, what difference does "cash or check" really make????

[quincy]

I understand your reasons for wanting to clear your name, but I advise that you do NOT take a polygraph. Polygraphs are NOT reliable. You are as liable to be found a liar as honest. Even the National Academy of Sciences says that polygraphs are little better than a coin toss and the Department of Justice no longer uses them due to the questionnable results.

From what you have posted, it does not appear you have a defamation action that would have much chance of success. Wirelessany1 says that it would not be wrongful termination. And, unfortunately, you cannot sue over humiliation and embarrassment alone.

I think your best bet is to wait and hear what your union representative and the union attorney have to say. Although you may not have any legal recourse, an apology may be something that can be worked out.

[cbg]

I can confirm that this is not a wrongful termination. A wrongful term does not mean that you were fired for something you didn't do; it means that you were fired for a reason prohibited by law.