A couple forgot to pay $10 for 10 bags of steer manure. The local prosecutor drops criminal charges, but Wal-Mart pressed ahead and demanded civil damamges:
That could have been the end of the story, except for the letter from the world's largest retailer that soon arrived in their mailbox. It demanded $175 in civil damages from the couple.However, Wal-Mart had a change of heart:That was when the Gastorfs learned about a little-known Oregon law that allows retailers to pursue civil penalties regardless of whether a person is found guilty or innocent of theft.
However, Shardon Weber told the newspaper, "after researching the incident, we have decided to refund Mr. Gastorf the money that he has already paid."It simply seems like the right thing to do."
H/T: Chris Lindgren
Posted by Kevin on August, 23 2005 at 09:22 AM
