Had a shit day

"Big Bubba Ray" (eganward01)
08/15/2015 at 23:23 • Filed to: None

I was accused of theft where I work. Long post coming in HOT.

Went to C&C this morning and had a great time. After the show I came home and slept until around 3:30. After my nap I checked my phone and saw that I had two missed calls and two voicemails. One call/voicemail was from my general manager and the second call/voicemail was from the site manager. The messages were extremely vague and said “hey, Bubba, I need you to call me immediately. It’s very serious and important and the police are involved.” My heart sank immediately. What the hell could this be?

I was basically interrogated by these guys for a solid 45 minutes before they finally let me go. Apparently a customer told my GM that her wedding ring had “gone missing” when she was at our store on Friday morning. Since I was the first employee to be in her car, I was the prime suspect. I told them that I would never take a goddamn thing from a car, not even a penny. I value my job and my reputation too much. Also, I’m not a thief. Never stolen a thing in my entire life.

The security footage from the store showed me walking up the car, rolling up the windows, turning off the radio and automatic wipers and then pulling the car into the wash. If I had swiped the ring, it would have showed up as clear as day on the security cameras.

She says she left the ring in a cup holder of her car. Not trying to “victim blame,” but why the hell wasn’t she wearing her wedding ring? Who the fuck puts a wedding ring in the cup holder of their car?!

I’ve talked to a number of guys from work and none of them were called in today because of this shit. I’m nervous and a bit scared that I could lose my job because of this. It’s her word against mine and I’m terrified that my word won’t hold a candle to hers, even though I haven’t done a thing. The site manager told me that I will most likely be questioned by the police, so I have that to look forward to. Any advice, Oppo?

DISCUSSION (41)

CB > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:26

Tell the truth is my advice. But that’s shit legal advice, so maybe get a lawyer if you think it’s worth the trouble?

Clown Shoe Pilot > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:28

nothing good ever comes from talking to the police. good luck with that.

Big Bubba Ray > Clown Shoe Pilot
08/15/2015 at 23:30

It’s going to suck ass. Even though I’ve done nothing wrong, I’m going to give my lawyer a call tomorrow to see what he would recommend doing.

Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:31

If you didn't take it you're in the clear. The video is inconclusive and this chick may be trying to orchestrate an insurance scam (you can cover big ticket jewelry items under renters and homeowners insurance policies). All we have is our integrity: stick to your guns and hopefully someone in this mess will learn from your moral and ethical compass.

Clown Shoe Pilot > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:32

he’s gonna recommend not talking to the police without him sitting next to you. that’s probably not bad advice but it’ll be expensive.

404 Name Not Found > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:33

Like others have mentioned. Be honest. There is no need to lie, and stick to your guns. Say everything like you mean it. Even if something bad comes out of it, there will be better things in the horizon. God speed brother.

Big Bubba Ray > CB
08/15/2015 at 23:33

I’ve done nothing but told the truth. I know for a FACT that none of the guys I work with would have stolen that ring. We have responsibilities and stuff to pay for. Two guys have kids to support, other guys have apartments and school to pay for and I also have to pay living expenses and education to pay for. We can’t afford to not have jobs. None of us would risk our jobs/future over a fucking ring!

Even though I’ve done nothing wrong, I’m going to give my lawyer a call tomorrow to see what he recommends doing next.

TheOnelectronic > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:34

Can’t you point out the security footage? Shouldn’t that help your case a bit?

That’s just a really shitty situation. I hope you don’t lose your job because of some “better safe than sorry” bullshit

Big Bubba Ray > 404 Name Not Found
08/15/2015 at 23:35

I’ve been nothing but 100% honest throughout this entire shit storm. I have nothing to hide. It’s so fucking shitty. I was as honest as one can be with both the managers today but they both acted extremely suspicious of me.

Big Bubba Ray > Clown Shoe Pilot
08/15/2015 at 23:37

My lawyer is my dad’s best friend and I also work on his NA Miata for free so he’d be more than willing to help me out in this situation haha

Big Bubba Ray > 404 Name Not Found
08/15/2015 at 23:40

I have nothing to hide. If I did hear a guy at work talking about the missing ring, I’d turn them in in a second, even if that made me a rat haha

I take my work very seriously and always do the best job that I can. I just hope that the managers believe what I’m saying. I bust my ass every day at work because I value my job and really do like it there. Hopefully they keep me around even though I don’t think they trust me because of this garbage.

404 Name Not Found > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:42

No I definitely believe you. It just might be a circumstance of wrong place wrong time. Hopefully your managers and your GM saw your hardwork and know that it couldn’t have happened by you. I’ll say a prayer for you tonight brother.

Big Bubba Ray > TheOnelectronic
08/15/2015 at 23:45

That’s the thing. The GM pulled up the security footage. The customer was seen getting out of her car, rooting around the back seat, center console and passenger’s seat grabbing trash and then throwing it all away at the trashcan by the entrance. She then pulled the car up closer to the wash where I took over. I walked up to the car, rolled the windows up, turned off the wipers/radio and pulled it into the wash. If I had taken anything, they would have seen me pocket it as clear as day.

There are four cameras that I know of back where I pulled the car on. Any sketchy behavior and they would have seen it. It’s fucking stressing me out even though I didn’t do anything wrong.

Big Bubba Ray > Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot
08/15/2015 at 23:49

There are three possible things that happened.

1. She lost the ring somewhere other than her car. (what I think happened)
2. She threw away the ring. (people throw away all kinds of shit without realizing it)
3. Someone sucked it up in a vacuum without realizing it.

Either way, I sure as shit didn’t take it and nobody I worked with took that damn thing.

Big Bubba Ray > 404 Name Not Found
08/15/2015 at 23:52

I think it was wrong place wrong time. If I had showed up to work literally three minutes earlier on Friday I wouldn’t be in this shit right now and I’m not exaggerating.

And thanks man. I appreciate and need it right now. This is stressing me the hell out.

Xyl0c41n3 > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:55

Maybe she accidentally threw it away in the trash?

Take your lawyer with you to ANY meetings with the police. And remember, you have the right to remain silent even if you haven’t been Mirandized.

Also, all those obligations you say are preventing your coworkers from not even thinking about stealing? Those are all the exact same reasons why they might steal in the first place. And some people can lie to your face with the most sincere of smiles. Protect yourself.

Nymphicus Hollandicus > Big Bubba Ray
08/15/2015 at 23:56

I hate customers when they blame it all on the workers when in reality it’s their fucking fault. People are just so dumb... Hope everything works out though.

titsinmymitts > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:00

Sloot probably lost it at the bar last night when she took it off so she could go home with some guy.

Sounds like you’re the fall guy for her cover story.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:01

This is the solution.

boxrocket > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:01

Dealership is covering their asses, and “customer” is probably trying to scam them, or genuinely lost it (how I can’t imagine, my wife’s ring is worth more than both our cars combined and she knows it) and seeking blame instead of taking responsibility. It may have fallen between the seats, unintentionally threw it away while taking trash out, lost it at her hypothetical boyfriend’s house, been stolen when she went inside to Starschmucks for her frou-frou drink, etc.

Stay calm, you’re not at fault so don’t act like you are.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:02

4. Attempting an insurance scam. Who takes off their wedding ring and leaves it in the car?? In the 9 years I was married, I never did that once.

scoob > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:02

I don’t want to start that whole victim blaming thing either, but how do we know the victim didn’t make the whole thing up? Some people start shit to start shit.

Big Bubba Ray > Xyl0c41n3
08/16/2015 at 00:03

I think that she either threw it away on accident or that the ring wasn’t even in the car in the first place. We washed her car at 9 am yesterday morning and she didn’t call to “report” the missing ring until about one o’clock today. Extremely suspect if you ask me.

I will be talking to my lawyer even though I’m innocent.

The people I work with really are great dudes/gals. I’ve known a lot of them for many many years and I know that none of them are thieves. Only time will tell what’s going to happen.

CapeFearFinn > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:04

Or she lost the ring because of something she does not want to explain to husband and this is the story she chose to go with.

Big Bubba Ray > boxrocket
08/16/2015 at 00:05

Like you mentioned, why would she be keeping her ring in the cup holder of all places? Was she banging the pool boy, forgot to put it back on and misplaced it? Her husband found out, asked where it was and used us as an excuse? So many thing running through my mind.

Big Bubba Ray > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
08/16/2015 at 00:06

EXACTLY. Why would she put it in the cup holder of all places?!

Big Bubba Ray > Nymphicus Hollandicus
08/16/2015 at 00:10

Customers are the worst.

A few weeks ago a lady came in with her BMW. We finished up her car and she sped off the lot. She pulled in about five minutes later and accused me and another guy of stealing her key fob. Wanna guess where it was? It was in her ignition. Ya. People are stupid.

I hate people.

Big Bubba Ray > titsinmymitts
08/16/2015 at 00:12

Haha that’s exactly what I’m thinking! Took off the ring before banging the pool boy, misplaced it and blamed us when her husband asked why it wasn’t on her finger.

Big Bubba Ray > CapeFearFinn
08/16/2015 at 00:14

Yep. There is about a 99% chance that this is what happened.

XJDano > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:49

If you have the time watch this.

Lawyer up if you have to, even if it makes you look guilty. “Choice adjectives & nouns” lost it and would be easier to put the blame on Someone else.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 00:55

You’re innocent until proven guilty. Always. They have to prove that you took the ring, if it ever existed. Unless they have evidence that you took it or that you have it, you’re in the clear. And if they can’t prove you took it, they can’t fire you for taking it. Not that you did take it, but they can’t fire you for something you didn’t do.

Your boy, BJR > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 01:00

Yeah, when you pawn it, make sure to go a few counties over. Use a fake ID. When the cops question you, just keep repeating “I ain’t seen shit”, no matter what the question. Wait about 6 months to a year before spending that sweet pawn shop cash.

NotRichBMWOwner > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 01:22

The police aren’t going to do anything. You may get fired but unless they find the ring you can sue and win for wrongful termination. My apartment maintenance let in a couple illegal immigrants who were removing screens and painting decks while I was at the doctors getting a follow up for an appendix surgery. They stole all but 2 of my pain pills sitting on the kitchen bar. The police came out and did a report. The police investigator called me and asked me if I saw it happen or it there were any witnesses. Of course there were not but it could have only been the maintenance guy or the hires help. Investigator said that since no one saw it happen they could not do anything about it. Total bullshit but never underestimate how lazy people can be. The apartment stood by the maintenance guy but called the hired help. Guess who disappeared? Never seen again. Left the apartment complex half painted.

Big Bubba Ray > scoob
08/16/2015 at 01:36

That’s exactly what I’m thinking. I truly think it wasn’t in her car or that she accidentally threw it away when she was cleaning out her car before I put it though the wash. I’ve had people accuse me of stealing shit when it was somewhere else in their car that they didn’t realize before they got their car washed. It’s ridiculous.

Spazburn66 > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 02:22

Don’t worry about anyone or anything except for yourself. Ask Lawyer for advice before speaking to Cops. Have him with you if possible. Go along with whatever he says. Don’t talk about anything except what you know as facts. Ask lawyer about giving a possible explanation.

1. She lost the ring somewhere other than her car. (what I think happened)

2. She threw away the ring. (people throw away all kinds of shit without realizing it)

3. Someone sucked it up in a vacuum without realizing it.

RWS Motorsport > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 04:01

Got nothing helpful to add, other than to say sorry to hear this, proper sucks. Hopefully the woman will realise she had the ring stuffed up her own ass the entire time and get the whole thing called off.

Fingers crossed it alls gets sorted for you.

Michael Maguire > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 06:31

With no proof, they can’t do shit. Who the fuck leaves their wedding ring in a car cup holder? That makes no sense.

If they tried to fire you with no proof, wouldn’t they have a wrongful termination suit on their hands?

Idk, this whole situation just sounds shitty. Keep updating us and let us know what the lawyer says.

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 08:19

If the police interview you have a lawyer present. Don’t talk to them unless you have a lawyer present, talking to the police CAN NOT help you. Watch this video. It’s 45 minutes of your time that will be well spent.

smobgirl > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 11:11

I can honestly say that I leave rings in my cup holder and door handle all the time. My hands swell when I work out so I just drop them in the car. However, I like to think that if I had something as valuable (and sentimental) as a wedding ring I’d come up with a more secure storage plan.

Chargingstar - E92 M3 pilot > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 12:05

You’re a good man for giving her the benefit of the doubt. I can agree with your theory; I was coming home on a leave from Iraq and on the approach into my hometown I went to out my iPod into my backpack. Landed and my wife immediately noticed I wasn’t wearing my wedding ring. I’m slightly OCD with my ring and knew I had been wearing it - on my last day home I was packing up and found the ring next to the iPod in the backpack. Turns out it slid off while I was stowing my tunes.

Either way, keep us in the loop. Keeping my fingers crossed for you in the meantime.

X37.9XXS > Big Bubba Ray
08/16/2015 at 15:22

From an ex-cop

DO NOT speak to the police without a lawyer present

EVER.

The police are primarily interested in numbers. The case clearance numbers are all important.