Wal-Mart 'theft' leads to false arrest suit Woman seeking $15,000 from store: ["The Waterbury Headlines"
WATERBURY -- A 27-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis is suing Wal-Mart, alleging she was framed for shoplifting.

The lawsuit, filed Oct. 10 in Waterbury Superior Court, claims that not only did Wal-Mart falsely accuse Shpresa Redzepi, it also intentionally concealed evidence that would have proved her innocence.

The suit seeks more than $15,000 in damages, claiming Redzepi was the victim of malicious prosecution, false imprisonment, assault and battery. The suit also alleges defamation, negligence and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.

Redzepi's lawyer, Donald C. McPartland of Waterbury wrote that along with the humiliation of her arrest, Redzepi suffered from depression and anxiety. She sought treatment from a psychiatrist and may need further treatment, he wrote.

"We take the matter very seriously, but because the matter is in litigation it wouldn't be appropriate for us to comment until it is resolved," said John Simley, a Wal-Mart spokesman.

The case began Oct. 7, 2004, when Redzepi went to the Wal-Mart on Wolcott Street to return a defective PUR water filter purchased two days earlier.

Redzepi's illness made it difficult to explain to the clerk at the return counter where the receipt was. The receipt was in the box containing the water filter, according to the lawsuit....MORE