It looks like Tom Coughlin's name is again surfacing in relation to Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT). Coughlin was the former executive -- a protege of founder Sam Walton -- that was found guilty of fraud and embezzlement at the world's largest retailer years ago. Now, a former administrative manager has sued Coughlin for -- wait for it -- taking part in Coughlin's fraudulent activities.Patsy Stephens filed a suit against Tom Coughlin last Friday for being terminated that same day by the retailer. Stephens submitted vouchers on Coughlin's behalf and then apparently deposited the money into her own bank account. She then wrote checks for cash to Coughlin and her immediate supervisor, Rob Hey.
As would be expected, Stephens was found guilty of wire fraud and is awaiting sentencing on eight counts. She did have 25 years employment history with the retailer, that is, until last Friday when her official employment was terminated. Stephens, who fired right back with her lawsuit, claims she was not doing anything wrong, and that her actions were thought to be for the good of the company.
Her former supervisor, Rob Hey, has also filed suit against Coughlin. If these two former employees Wal-Mart working under Coughlin really think depositing money from reimbursement vouchers into their own bank accounts in order to write cash checks to Coughlin was okay, then Wal-Mart's hiring practices might not be on the level. From what I've read here, Stephens' case is baseless. What do you think?











Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-01-2008 @ 8:07PM
sheibra said...
Wal-Mart think that they can get away with DIRT. There are people in this world that are smarter than Hillary Rodden Clinton and others on that Board of Directors and Lawyers. They think they have rights because they have lawyers, well God gave me a BRAIN. I cannot Rap, I cannont Paint like Pacasso, but I have a BRAIN and am in the process of showing certain ones at Wal-Mart for terminating me because "MICHELIN TIRE MAN-LADY' failed to follow the policy(S) for ATTENDANCE and tried to blame me; Also saying I missed Twenty-Nine (29) Absences, which I did not and had and still have proof, but the "Crooked-Club" at Wal-Mart refused to meet with me to see my proof and they just kept saying........"WE HAVE DECIDED TO STICK TO THE MANAGER'S DECISION", Meaning----Our managers lye but we agree with liars and even though we have "Open Door Policy", we don't give a _ _ _ _ about open door, we just enjoy messing up people's lives. Watch for this FAT LADY to Sing.
4-01-2008 @ 9:33PM
QUIT AFTER OVER 20 YRS. said...
I've used Wal-mart's Open Door Policy on several occasions. And NO it doesn't work. You get retaliated against even though they say you won't. Wal-mart doesn't care about it's associates or customers all they are worried about is that almighty door going into the cash register. And Wal-mart tries to find ways not to pay associates bonuses or profit sharing. Sam Walton believe in giving back his profit to his associates but the new leaders of Wal-mart try to find ways not to give those profit to the associates. They spend the profits on building new stores that they do not need. Or remodeling stores and are only maybe 5 to 10 years old. Anything not to give associates money. And the 10% discount they give the associates on regular price merchandise, but not food is pathetic. that might have been good in 1962 but hey's it's 2008. GET REAL WAL-MART. MR SAM IS PROBABLY ROLLING IN HIS GRAVE AT WHAT YA' LL DID TO HIS COMPANY AND HOW YOU TREAT HIS ASSOCIATES.
4-01-2008 @ 9:45PM
S. Cox said...
Here we go again. More complaints on W-M?
If you work hard, you will be noticed, if not, then they will find a way to terminate you.
My daughter has worked for them for 31 years, this year, and loves her job, and the people there.
Most, anyway. If you do a good job, you can go higher, but it's up to you, not W-M. If you stand around in the aisles yakking with someone, which I
've seen many times, you can bet your going to be reprimaned, as any co. would do. And I've seen this many times at W-M, people waiting to be waited on, and they stand around gabbing with others. So don't blame W-M for everything, if you are not doing your job, you will be sent on your way, which is only right.
shirl girl
4-01-2008 @ 10:40PM
roudy11z said...
Lest we forget;
If it's WMT's integrity that is in question then it has to begin with Rob Walton and Lee Scott. Only they can change policy if they really want to if there is something drastically wrong with management/employee relations. Cut it anyway you want and it will still come out that way. It may also go to their character. Who knows? Points to ponder maybe.
4-05-2008 @ 12:09AM
DEANNA SLOVER said...
I worked in management at Walmart for a lot of years and they are good people! I helped in setting up a new store in Knoxville, Tn., and worked there for years! If you work hard, you are appreciated! They do take care of their people! If able, I would go back to Walmart in a heartbeat! It's a great place to work; "if" you want to work!
4-13-2008 @ 7:18PM
BERT DARAZS said...
Where can an overnight janitor advance to the position of store manager? Only at Wal-Mart and definitely through hard work. Ask me- I did it...