I have worked in retail for two years and recently at one of our employee meetings, my manager explained the seriousness of wrongfully accusing someone of shoplifting. Until now I did not know how wrong I was treated six years ago. When I was thirteen I was at the mall with my two friends and after leaving JCPenney I was followed by a big bald man (who scared the crap out of me to begin with) and he told me I stole something from the store and would have to come with him. I had no idea what he was talking about but more importantly did not know my rights in the situation, being only 13, so complied with everything he told me to do. He escorted me into a back room while making my two friends stay outside (illegal to do with a minor and no guardian/lawyer present) There were four people who not only went through my purse, but said they caught me on camera stealing jewelry from their store. When I demanded to see the video, it was of me looking at jewelry with my hands in my pockets. I was shocked and angry that this was the only evidence they had to prove I had stolen something. At this point, I boldly fought back saying there is absolutely nothing in the tape that shows I put anything in my pocket (which I didn't!). The director did not believe I was telling the truth but reluctantly let me go saying there was nothing to hold me on. Looking back on the situation with what I know now I am livid with the occurrence of that day and how they used their power to intimidate a young teenager (four people really?). I wish I had known then what I know now that I had a lawsuit on them.