In Mass. Went to a local Supermarket to buy food for grilling. Bought some food at the deli as a snack and started eating it as I walked around the store. Walked by a trash can and threw the bag away, not even thinking about it. I had another bag that I had not opened and paid for that deli item. I was stopped while walking out. I was asked to give ID for photocopying, provide SS# and give address. The guy there pretty much said he was sorry he had to do it but that's his job. The police were not contacted.
My question is this: Can I still be charged criminally? I was informed that I would get a letter in the mail from the company saying I had to pay a fine and because it was such a small amount it would probably be the minimum. Can this show up on a background check?
I feel like an idiot and I really don't want this to go further than it has to.