Reference no: EM133281827

Maryann Romaszko was employed as a window clerk at the Niagara Square Post Office. After a loss was discovered at the post office, Romaszko became a target of the investigation. On June 16, 1999, Postal Inspectors Kurt Hammer and Molly Hackimer interviewed Romaszko in the office of the station manager.

The meeting was planned for a time when Romaszko was at work and she was directed by her boss to attend the interview. Romaszko was confronted by two Postal Inspectors with badges, handcuffs and weapons, who immediately accused her of stealing money. Romaszko was never told that she was free to leave this meeting. Indeed, on at least five occasions, Romaszko asked to leave or attempted to stand up and was told that she could not. At one point during the meeting, the lead investigator told Romaszko, "No, you're not going anywhere." Romaszko was not advised of her Miranda rights. During the course of the interview, Romaszko was asked if she had taken money from the Post Office, and she stated that she had not. On the basis of this statement, Romaszko was charged with a felony for making a false statement to Postal Inspectors during the course of their investigation (United States Courts, n.d.).

Discuss: 

Determine if the officer's violated Romaszko's rights.

Analyze if there is enough evidence for probable cause for a felony charge of theft.

Identify if Romaszko was interviewed or interrogated and if she was under arrest.