Store manager accuses pregnant woman of shoplifting, is fired
PINEVILLE, N.C. — A manager at an office supply store in North Carolina has been fired after a pregnant woman shopping there was confronted about what she was concealing beneath her shirt: “Twins,” she said.
Sherell Bates tells WSOC-TV she was paying for back-to-school supplies Friday at a Staples when a police officer had her step aside and explain what was under her shirt.
Bates says she responded that she’s 34 weeks pregnant with a boy and a girl, but he didn’t believe her. So she lifted up her shirt to expose her belly.
Staples says the manager apologized and her purchases were refunded.
Says Bates: “No mom should have to go through that.”
Staples subsequently said in a statement Monday that the manager of the Pineville store “did not follow correct protocol” and was fired.
