Would you press charges against... UPDATE 11/4!

[Tinker'n'Fun]

goodness.....I'm so nosey. Did they tell you what it was?

Yes, a type of vandalism. I guess if the pics are there when I get the camera back, I would be free to post them?

 

[Pakey]

As hard as it may be to press charges, I honestly believe you are giving this kid his only chance to turn his life around. If you don't press charges, you send the message (to him and to all of the other kids who know about this) that there are no consequences for what he did. Having to return the camera is not a fitting punishment for theft.

It's not like he took the thing, had second thoughts a day (or two or three) afterwards and returned it or even got rid of it. He has looked at that camera often over the course of a long period of time, knowing he stole it, and wasn't too worried about it right up until he got caught.

Press charges.

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

I already thought you should press charges when I thought this was the only crime. After hearing that there was evidence of another crime on the camera, definitely press charges.

 

[hegsag]

Have his parents called and talked with you? I would love to hear what his parents are doing/thinking about his whole situation.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Have his parents called and talked with you? I would love to hear what his parents are doing/thinking about his whole situation.

Good point.

 

[KiKi Mouse]

I would be mad about this too and want the boy to get the message that what he did is illegal and just plain wrong. I agree with the posters who are wondering about what his parents have to say about this.

I am all for crime and punishment believe me...I work in law enforcement. If he is charged would you have to testify in court that it is your camera etc?

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Have his parents called and talked with you? I would love to hear what his parents are doing/thinking about his whole situation.

Part of the detective's theory was to get the kid alone without parents to secure getting the camera. (that worked) To my knowledge the parents do not know at this time. If I press charges, the police will notify them. Or, it would be a heart to heart sit down with my DH and I and his parents.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I would be mad about this too and want the boy to get the message that what he did is illegal and just plain wrong. I agree with the posters who are wondering about what his parents have to say about this.

I am all for crime and punishment believe me...I work in law enforcement. If he is charged would you have to testify in court that it is your camera etc?

Good question, forgot to ask. The detective did state after the other division was done with my camera, he could take pictures of my camera for evidence and I could have it back....

 

[Va-bear]

I was leaning towards the "dont press charges and have him do a full weekend of chores for you" side, until you mentioned the other crime.... that sways me....

If his parents hadn't called by the time I went to bed tonight to offer apologies and come up w/ a plan or corrective action, I would move forward with the charges. If the parents care, they will call .... if not, he needs 'the system' to care, in the hopes he can turn himself around with their help.

Sorry you have to deal with all of this.

 

[mom2kazkids]

Press charges, and if after that is done and he feels the need to bother your DD about it, then go for harassment.

 

[MineMail]

I figured he posted a photo a photo of himself with the camera online. Good for you in tracking it down.

Be prepared for the "invasion of privacy" complaints. You can't hold a private conversation in public, lol. If he left his myspace (or any other social networking site) open for others to see, it's open to ANYONE without a specific invitation.

One of my DD's friends just went away to college. I really like this kid, so when I saw that my DD's page was linked to his, I followed the link to see how he liked his first day on campus. Big day for him: he took a shower in the dorm, lol. (No photos, nothing inappropriate, just ... mundane.) Bit of a let down because he's such a clever kid, I expected something humorous.

I mentioned it over dinner that night and DD freaked out, saying I was a "stalker." Totally unjustified accusation. I told her that if they were going to tell the world their business, they should be prepared for readers. They're exhibitionists and not even smart ones.

I once had to look up a young person's name for a mailing she requested because I couldn't read her writing. I found her "page" that told me far too much info, including where she would be that Saturday and how her house (with an address!) would be empty from 6-midnight.

 

[DizBelle]

Get your camera back and make sure it is undamaged and in the state it was in when it was stolen before you decide to not press charges. You don't know what this kid might have done to it while it was in his possession.

If you won't get your camera back until after you have to decide, press charges.

 

[MineMail]

Get your camera back and make sure it is undamaged and in the state it was in when it was stolen before you decide to not press charges. You don't know what this kid might have done to it while it was in his possession.

If you won't get your camera back until after you have to decide, press charges.

I would press charges anyway. He's now suspected of theft and vandalism.
He needs a major wake up call, as do his parents. I would let the cops handle it instead of talking to the parents. Not letting him off the hook for the crime would be the right thing to do. Not the easiest, not the kindest, but the right thing to do. I wouldn't call it a favor though - think of it as teaching him an important lesson that he should have learned a long time ago.

Good luck! I hope the camera isn't damaged.

One more question for the OP: Will this thread "taint" the situation? Do you think anyone will find it and twist it into something bad against you? I think that you can ask one of the mods to delete it if it's an issue.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I would press charges anyway. He's now suspected of theft and vandalism.
He needs a major wake up call, as do his parents. I would let the cops handle it instead of talking to the parents. Not letting him off the hook for the crime would be the right thing to do. Not the easiest, not the kindest, but the right thing to do. I wouldn't call it a favor though - think of it as teaching him an important lesson that he should have learned a long time ago.

Good luck! I hope the camera isn't damaged.

One more question for the OP: Will this thread "taint" the situation? Do you think anyone will find it and twist it into something bad against you? I think that you can ask one of the mods to delete it if it's an issue.

I don't think this will sway anyone either way (law enforcement or the criminal system). I copied into my accounts all the pictures he took. They have mysteriously disappeared off his myspace. The detective also printed copies when I called and showed him how to get to them. I didn't mention his name or even his gender until I knew it was my camera and I had my daughter show me how to post a pic without it coming back to me. I am thinking the camera is in working order in the least since he just posted pictures and the detective was able to view and see other pics at the precinct. I have said nothing bad against this young man (at least not here) and I even stated I would apologize if it turned out not to be my camera. I am pretty sure my "Law and Order" knowledge along with "Judge Judy" interships have me covered with not divulging too much.

 

[Darcy03231]

I would definitely press charges and, if it were my kid, I would want you to press charges. The only reason he's calling and begging now is because he got caught. The fact that there's another crime involved now too isn't something I would ignore. This young man (from what I've read here) doesn't seem to care about anyone else's property (stealing & vandalism). This is the wake up call he (and his family) needs. Maybe he's not a bad kid. I know (from first hand experience) that sometimes good kids make bad decisions. If he suffers the consequences of his bad decisions now, he may think before doing something even worse the next time. If everyone lets him off without consequences now, it could be worse in the future for the young man. One good scare when he's young may be what he needs to make better choices in the future.

 

[Scooby3x1y]

DO NOT let yourself feel guilty and let this kid off the hook. You NEED to press charges! Teach this kid a lesson he clearly NEEDS to learn. Begging and calling to beg a gazillion times probably works on his parents, and look where that got him!

Press charges!

I happen to agree. This could be to the benefit of the kid. It is an easier lesson learned as a teen than as an adult. This just may keep him from committing another more serious crime...teaching him a lesson.

However, you have to do what is right for you and your family. If it is not too hard on your DD, then I say go for it.

BTW....what about the place that the party was being held....???? No supervision?

 

[Scooby3x1y]

Did you find out what the other crime was? I think you should be able to know if your camera was involved.

 

[hereyago]

OP, glad it was they have your camera, even though you can't get it yet.
PRESS CHARGES!!!!!!!!!!
This boy is a thief, vandal and obviously arrogant.

 

[quentina]

Yes, I would. It is a life lesson that this child needs to learn quickly.

 

[Free4Life11]

I would press charges. Good thing you are doing that.

But I would also get a less expensive camera for DD. $400 is pretty pricey to be bringing to a party unless you are gonna have it on you at all times.