If a month after I resigned my former employer has accused me of theft, what can I do?
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If a month after I resigned my former employer has accused me of theft, what can I do?
My former employer has told me that he is in dispute with the stationary company and who have invoiced him approximately $4000 for stationary. He is refusing to pay and believes many of the items were not delivered. He then contacted me and told me that the stationary company have accused me of steeling from him. He has been advised to call the police? I obviously am very shocked and extremely upset about this and I am very worried. I have not stolen anything from my former employer and he has stated this in his emails. I have been told by an ex colleague to ignore my former boss and do not respond to his emails etc. because
he needs someone to blame and is looking at me.
Asked on August 4, 2016 under Employment Labor Law, South Dakota
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Your ex-colleague is correct to not respond to him: you are under no obligation to do so, and anything you write or say, if it comes out the wrong way, could be used against you. If legal action is not taken against you, ignore this; only if sued or charges pressed, you'd have to respond, of course. If legal action (private lawsuit or criminal charges) is taken, the other side (the person suing you, such as the ex-boss; or the authorities) would have to prove that you stole the items to win the case--again, that is a reason to not say anything which could even accidently be used against you. If legal action is taken, you are urged to retain an attorney.
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