Staples Manager Fired After Accusing Pregnant Mom Of Shoplifting

An expecting mother from Charlotte says she is considering legal action against after a manager falsely accused her of shoplifting.
Shirell Bates was shopping at the office supply store in Pineville Friday when a police officer questioned her.
She says the officer didn’t believe she was pregnant and she had to lift up her shirt to prove it.

“That just made me feel embarrassed, there were people in line, the store was going on about their day, and I’m having to prove myself in front of everyone,” Bates said.

Staples fired the manager for not following protocol and sent WCCB News this statement:
“We want all our customers to feel welcome in our stores. We would like to apologize to the customer as this was not the case in this instance.”