Can my former employee tellprosepective employersthat I’m a thief and robbed their store if the state attorney cleared me of the charge?
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Can my former employee tellprosepective employersthat I’m a thief and robbed their store if the state attorney cleared me of the charge?
I was a closing manager at a fast food restaurant that was robbed after hours. My former employer terminated my employment and stated that theft was the reason. They told everyone at both stores that it was me and even tried to get people to provide false statements against me for money. Now they are hindering me from getting a job by saying that I robbed their store.
Asked on November 15, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If it is true that you stole, they may do this. If it is not true, then saying you stole would very likely be defamation, since it would be a false factual statement which damages your reputation and/or makes others less likely to work with or do business with you. (True facts are not defamation.) Being cleared of the charge does not automatically mean that they may not call you a thief, since the standard of proof in a civil case, such as a defamation lawsuit, is less--e.g. if you sue them for defamation, it is possible they could show it to a sufficient level to raise the truth as a defense. However, it is still obviously powerful evidence on your behalf that you were cleared; therefore, from what you write, you may be being defamed, and you should consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your rights and options. Good luck.
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