LOUISIANA RECORD

GRETNA – A customer of a discount retailer is suing the store and its manager after she claims she was detained and falsely arrested for shoplifting.

Lisa A. Williams filed suit against Jennifer Thibodaux and Dollar General Store in the 24th Judicial District Court on Sept. 8.

Williams asserts on Sept. 7, 2013 she was shopping at a local Dollar General Store when Thibodaux unjustly accused her of shoplifting. The plaintiff claims that after making the accusation Thibodaux bullied her and aggressively handled her before causing her to be falsely arrested. In addition, Williams alleges she formally requested surveillance video of the encounter after the fact on numerous occasions, but has been denied.

The defendant is accused of violating of state and local law, failing to take care in hiring employees, failing to develop adequate parameters in dealing with suspected shoplifting, failing to adequately train employees, failing to adequately supervise employees, failing to act with reasonable vigilance, committing battery, falsely accusing plaintiff, committing libel and slander and spooling the surveillance video.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental pain and suffering, residual disability, wage loss, anxiety, false imprisonment, presumed damage form slander and libel and loss of enjoyment of life.

Williams is represented by attorney Richard H. Barker of New Orleans.

The case has been assigned to Division O Judge Ross P. LaDart.

Case no. 742-131.