What actions can I take if I discover an employee has been stealing from my Georgia business?
As a lawyer, I can provide legal advice on what actions a business owner can take if they discover an employee has been stealing from their Georgia business.
Firstly, it is important to make sure that there is concrete evidence of theft before taking any action against the employee. This can include video footage, eyewitness accounts or any other evidence that would prove that the employee is stealing from the business.
Once the evidence is gathered, the business owner can terminate the employee's employment for cause or report the theft to the police. In Georgia, theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the stolen property. If the value is less than $1,500, the crime is treated as a misdemeanor, while theft of property worth more than $1,500 is treated as a felony.
The business owner can also pursue a civil lawsuit against the employee for any damages or losses they may have incurred as a result of the theft. However, it is important to note that civil lawsuits can be time-consuming and expensive, and the business owner may not always recover all of the losses they incurred.
It is also important for the business owner to consider implementing measures to prevent theft in the future. This can include installing security cameras, conducting background checks on employees, and having checks and balances in place to prevent theft.
In summary, if a business owner discovers an employee has been stealing from their Georgia business, they should gather evidence, terminate the employee's employment for cause, report the theft to the police, and consider pursuing a civil lawsuit if necessary. They should also implement measures to prevent theft in the future.