Recently, our cash drawer at work came up about $115 short. According to video surveillance there were 7 people who had access to the register in the time where the shortage occured. In that time frame I made two transactions and can account for both.

My boss does not believe it was theft, but an error. Since he cannot pinpoint the cause of the error he wants each of us to reimburse the drawer $16.00 to compensate for the error. Can he do that legally? He also wants to avoid an investigation an keep an "isolated incident" within our department. Do we have the right to demand an investigation that would clear us?

If he forces me to pay I have requested a receipt that states in his writing that payment is not an admission of guilt and that I will be re-paid if the error is found.

Thanks in advance for any help.

He cannot force you to pay nor can you force him to give you the document you request. He can however fire you for "suspected" theft if he so desires

well, he agreed to give me the receipt, partly because I think he knows I am innocent. Can I be reprimanded or terminated for non-payment?

Do you have a copy of a specific law I can cite to prove I do not have to pay? That may help me.

Yep its called "at will" you can google it. In short it says an employer may terminate you employment with or without cause with or without warning

so I should just pay it and move on, knowing in my mind that I didn't do anything wrong?

That is a decision you need to make not us

so basically I need to decide if my job is worth $16? :)

As much as I hate to do it, I think I know the answer to that. Thank you for your help Panther, it is greatly appreciated.