BOSTON — A security officer caught on video taking down an 11-year-old girl who police say was shoplifting faced a judge Monday.
Prosecutors say the private security guard assaulted the child. Both the security officer and the company he works for, Securitas, face criminal charges. Prosecutors say the company is also at fault under state law.
The video shows some of what happened.
Prosecutors say Mohammad Khan can be seen taking down the girl who police say was caught stealing $175 worth of merchandise at Primark in Downtown Crossing.
"Khan punched her in the face and after he punched her, they wrestled on the ground from one corner of the store to the other," Assistant District Attorney Teniola Adeyemi said.
Boston 25 News first spoke with the 11-year-old’s grandmother when the incident was being investigated.
Now Khan and Securitas, the private security company hired by Primark for security, face criminal charges.
Massachusetts has a law allowing charges to be filed against an employer when their employee is charged with a crime while in their official capacity.
"It is a very rare thing. It happens maybe once every few years," Securitas Attorney Paul Kelly said. "But there is law that allows for it, whether it applies to this case it remains to be seen."
Primark told Boston 25 News: “The safety and well-being of our customers and our employees is our top priority. We expect all our contractors to operate to extremely high standards and we do not tolerate or condone violent or inappropriate behavior in any circumstances.”
Primark also says Khan is no longer allowed to work at their stores.
Both Khan and Securitas entered pleas of not guilty. The case returns to court next month.
[Editor’s Note: Securitas is contracted to provide security services at Boston 25 News]
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