Live and worked 25 years same job, now fired, and told if file for unemployment will charge me with stealing?

File for unemployment. Its your right because you paid 25 years for that. Your last employer cant do anything about it. File for unemployment.

Have you called the state's employment office on this? Because doing what he did is actually a FEDERAL crime.

You were working there 25 yrs, I don't think that accusation will hold up. You should advise the unemployment officer of the threats and they should know how to handle it.

Ooh, Catch 22, if you report him & he gets shut down you get squat, but you're getting squat now, so I say go to police with what you know & at least make the dirtbag pay.

Call a lawyer outside of town at a larger firm. They may take your case pro bono, or direct you to uncorrupted lawyers in your town that will.

I'm not sure what the question was, but go for the unemployment. There are places that will take you pro bono and there are often agencies to help with that. Go to Labor and Industries too. He can't just accuse you of stealing, he has to have some proof too. Don't let him frighten you. Maybe the other people who were fired would like to join together and sue him with you for harassment or libel or something. I'm pretty sure with unemployment you will have access to retraining, since you were at your previous job for so long. Go for it, if he's going broke too then where's he going to afford a lawyer? You paid that money for unemployment and you deserve it.

You seem to bring up a lot of points in the details section. To address the first basic question, it is helpful to know which state you are in as labor laws and unemployment processes are somewhat different state to state. If you are currently working you may not be entitled to unemployment insurance (UI). If you are not working and were laid off, then you are entitled to unemployment benefits. If your main concern is the benefits, you do not need an attorney. You open a claim. The employer can dispute your eligibility. In that case you file an appeal which would then be heard in front of an administrative judge, just you and the employer would be there, no attorneys. If the employer terminated you, state on the claim for the reason. If you were given something in writing from the company make sure it is consistent with what you put on your claim form. Then bring that to the hearing. For an employer to be disputing something like this they must substantiate the reason for termination is in lines with making the former employee (you) ineligible for UI funds (as these are paid for by the employer. That you were terminated for cause or quit on your own. I have been at such a hearing representing the company and we won as the employee falsified their statements and were not entitled to collect UI funds. Good luck!

call the labor board. he can't do this to you. besides it will be obvious he's seeking revenge, or trying to save his own butt. if you stole he would of pressed charges before now. you can get paid by the state for taking care of family members who has disabilities. the state will also pay for some one else to take care of them for you. that will relieve some stress for you. do a web search for a no recovery no fee atty, or ask the labor board who could help. unemployment wont pay much, and nothing now you're working. are the disabled family members collect social security for age, or disability? if not, get it started. that will help also. call the social service agency to see what you are entitled to, and social security. see about the family leave act also.

Only the prosecutor's office can file charges. All he can do is make a complaint and if there isn't any evidence, the prosecutor's office isn't going to file any charges. He's trying to intimidate you. File for unemployment and take care of yourself. Don't waste time talking to attorneys or trying to convince anyone what a bad guy your boss was. He's obviously a creep but that doesn't get your bills paid. Spend your energy looking for ways to make yourself more employable so you can earn the money you need to help take care of your family. Your Unemployment Bureau should have information on job retraining and continuing education. Use the time you are collecting unemployment to improve your work skills so you can replace your former salary. Thank your lucky stars your rid of this crooked boss and don't look back! Good Luck to You!