Longtime Convenience Store Clerk Fired After Shoplifting Incident Leads to Lawsuit

Mary Ann Moreno, a Circle K employee who had worked at the store for 18 years, is suing the company for wrongful termination after she was fired for briefly touching an armed thief who stole a pack of cigarettes from behind the counter. Moreno's attorney argues that she acted in self defense and made no real effort to stop or chase the thief. The company fired Moreno for violating their "Don't Chase or Confront Policy" regarding shoplifters and robbers. The incident occurred in October 2020 and the shoplifter was later arrested and pleaded guilty to robbery and other charges from separate cases.