CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCSC) -A North Charleston man was hit with a federal fine for refilling his drink without paying. The on-site construction worker says he didn't know refills at the VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston came at a price, and Wednesday, during his lunch hour, he was slapped with federal charges.

 

The ticket was issued by the Federal Police Force at the VA Medical Center in downtown Charleston after Christopher Lewis refilled his soda without paying the $0.89. A hospital spokesperson called it a "theft of government property."

 

"Every time I look at the ticket, it's unbelievable to me,” says Lewis, who works construction. “I can't fathom the fact that I made a $0.89 mistake that cost me $525."

 

Lewis is now out of a job. According to a hospital spokesperson, signs are posted in the cafeteria informing patrons that refills aren't free. Lewis says he never noticed the signs and admits he had refilled his drink without paying on other occasions. He says after he went back for seconds on Wednesday, a man who identified himself as the chief of police, stopped him.

 

"As I was filling my cup up, I turned to walk off and a fella grabbed me by the arm and asked me was I going to pay for that, and I told him I wasn't aware that I had to pay for that."

 

Lewis says he tried to pay the $0.89 right there, but wasn't allowed to. He says he wasn't given the chance to pay the cashier either.

 

"I never had an option to make right what I had done wrong."

 

He says he was taken to a room, given the $525 ticket for shoplifting and told not to return to the property.

 

"I'm done there, at the VA hospital. I'm not allowed to go on the premises anymore. I asked him can I still work on the job site and just bring my lunch and not got to the cafeteria and he said he wanted me off the premises."

 

North Charleston man facing federal charges over $.89 drink refi - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV

Is he white or black?

Of course we don't know all the circumstances but if that is the case the drink machine shouldn't be open for the customers to access. Furthermore, I assume this policy is in place to keep the hospital employees from getting endless refills. But to slap a worker and/or visitor with something like this. And then not let him pay when questioned assuming that is the truth.

 

Not only would I fight that to the last degree I would sue the hospital.

Absolutely ridiculous. A simple "Sir, refills aren't free, would you please step over to the register to pay for you refill" was all that was needed. The stupidity in this country never ceases to amaze me.

Is he white or black?

 

White, wearing a (almost) flat bill hat in the interview here:

 

White, wearing a (almost) flat bill hat in the interview here:

 

Punk

Punk

 

Definitively deserved it!

There is a cop at the VA hospital in FT. Thomas that I could see doing this. That guy has nothing but free time to look for problems.

Punk

 

See and I was thinking Thug!

I've witnessed a very prominante local business man doing the exact same thing multiple times at a local fast food place. I always thought what a cheap skate, money bags here is going to risk his reputation to save a $1.50.

See and I was thinking Thug!

 

Not athletic enough.

See and I was thinking Thug!

 

Nah, he's a white guy. Had to get clarification.

I've witnessed a very prominante local business man doing the exact same thing multiple times at a local fast food place. I always thought what a cheap skate, money bags here is going to risk his reputation to save a $1.50.

 

What local fast food place charges for refills that are located where the customers refills his/her own drink?

What local fast food place charges for refills that are located where the customers refills his/her own drink?

 

A couple chinese restaurants. Not that fast of food but.

I've witnessed a very prominante local business man doing the exact same thing multiple times at a local fast food place. I always thought what a cheap skate, money bags here is going to risk his reputation to save a $1.50.

 

What fast food places don't allow free refills?