Macy’s sued by African-American man who claims he was wrongfully detained as shoplifter

GRETNA – A local retailer is being sued by a man who claims he was wrongly detained as a shoplifter.

Henry Bodden filed suit against Macy’s Retail Holdings Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Dec. 6.

Bodden asserts he was shopping at the Macy’s located at 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd. when he was stopped and detained by numerous store employees.

The plaintiff alleges that he was accused by the defendants’ employees of being a shoplifter and that they took away merchandise that was lawfully his. Bodden claims that after an investigation had been conducted he was found to not have done anything illegal, but was still escorted out of the store.

The plaintiff asserts he was detained and escorted from the premises because he is a tall, large, African-American male, not because he had done anything wrong.

The defendant is accused of engaging in conduct without cause.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for public humiliation, embarrassment, fright and hesitancy and fear of losing his job as a tour guide in the French Quarter.

Bodden is represented by attorney Henrik A. Pontoppidan of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.

Case no. 733-586.